Libraries in the Harrogate district are to adopt a wild world heroes theme for next month’s return of the summer reading challenge.

North Yorkshire County Council and the Reading Agency, a charity that encourages reading, hold the challenge annually encourage children aged four to 11 to pick up books.

However, it did not take place last year due to covid.

Children sign up for free at libraries to read six library books over the summer holiday period.

In return they receive stickers to fix environmental problems and other incentives, including a medal and certificate.

This year’s theme also aims to educate youngsters on how they can make a difference to the environment,

A programme of online events for families will support the challenge, including a cartoon workshop, a story hunt and finding out why rubbish isn’t rubbish.

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County councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said:

“It is wonderful that we can run the challenge in libraries again this year. Children really missed the free incentives and the advice and encouragement of staff and volunteers last year.

“Signing children up to the summer reading challenge is a great way for parents and carers to help them to maintain their reading levels.

“The wild world heroes theme could not be more relevant as we need all our young people to know how to care for our precious planet.”

Karen Napier, chief executive of the Reading Agency, said the charity WWF-UK was a partner for this year’s challenge. She added:

“We have seen first-hand, via our children’s programmes, that climate change and the environment are subjects that children are keen to explore.”

Children can sign up from July 10.

Libraries in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough will continue to provide books during lockdown through the select and collect service.

The select and collect service, which was introduced last year in response to the pandemic, enables customers to phone or email their library to request books and collect them from the entrance of the building.

North Yorkshire County Council, which manages the libraries, is also continuing to operate its home library service, which sees volunteers deliver books, DVDs and CDs to customers who are unable to visit a library.

The council is also allowing pre-booked library computer sessions for essential use, such as accessing services and benefits. But they must be booked in advance by phone or email.

County councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said:

“We know how beneficial a connection to their library can be to people’s wellbeing and how many people rely on free library computers to access services and benefits and to apply for jobs.

“I am pleased that we are able to continue to provide that connection to some degree through our select and collect service and to support the most vulnerable with the home library service and computer access.”

To use the select and collect service or to book a computer session, contact your library or visit here.

Harrogate and Knaresborough libraries are set to resume their reduced lockdown services this week.

The libraries closed last week after a member of staff in each one tested positive for covid.

The buildings have been given a deep clean and staff who needed to have self-isolated.

Harrogate library will resume services tomorrow and Knaresborough is expected to be back in operation on Saturday.

Library members will be able to use the select and collect service, which allows them to order books by phone or email and pick them up from the library entrance.

Library computers will also be available for essential use, but must be booked in advance.

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Harrogate will open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday.

Knaresborough will open from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.30am to 1.30pm on Thursday and 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 7pm on Friday.

North Yorkshire county councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said:

“We have robust safety measures in place, including collecting contact tracing details, strictly limited numbers and plentiful hand sanitiser, so customers can continue to use our select and collect and to book public computer sessions with confidence.”

All libraries in the county are currently closed for browsing.

Libraries in North Yorkshire have closed again for lockdown — but people can still order books and collect them from the entrances of the buildings.

North Yorkshire County Council revealed yesterday it would operate its select and collect service, which began this year.

The service enables library members to call or email libraries to order books and then pick them up.

Select and collect is available at council-managed libraries in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. Some community libraries will also offer the service.

Computers available

It is no longer possible to browse libraries but members can book computers for essential use only. A council statement said:

“Workstations will be cleaned between each use and hand sanitiser and wipes will be available.”

The home library service and mobile library will continue to operate during lockdown, although books from the mobile vehicle must be pre-ordered online.

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Library membership grew during the first lockdown.

Current loans extended

All books issued before the current lockdown have had their loan period extended to January 11.

County Councillor Greg White, executive member for library services, said:

“Libraries can be of significant benefit to people’s wellbeing, and it was clear from the last lockdown how much people relied on and missed library services, so I am pleased that has been recognised and that some services will be able to continue.”

North Yorkshire County Council has organised several events and launched a new app as part of Libraries Week, which began today.

The app enables library members to view their account, search the library catalogue and reserve and renew books, as well as download e-books and e-audio books.

The week, which promotes libraries, also includes online events and activities.

Despite library closures due to Covid, about 3,000 people joined the library service over lockdown and there was a big increase in the number of e-books and e-audio books borrowed.

In the Harrogate district, the community library in Bilton and the main Harrogate library are offering virtual story tellings on Facebook this week.

Four authors and the poet, Andy Croft, are holding virtual events for North Yorkshire residents.

To find the event schedule, click here.

Bilton and Woodfield Community Library is among the libraries taking part.

Harrogate library is also holding a superhero competition for families. Craft packs can be collected from the library by families and once completed their superhero will go on display in the library.

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Greg White, the county council’s executive member for libraries, said:

“Nowadays, many customers expect services to be available easily on their phone. This app aims to meet those expectations.

“You’ll be able to find a local library, check its opening hours and check whether a book you’re looking for is there.”

Libraries are open to the public but each one has a limited capacity to ensure social distancing.

As well as wearing a mask, visitors are asked to limit their visit to 20 minutes.