LIBRARIES in St Helens are offering children the chance to go on a safari this summer, literally!

The reading safari scheme is launched on Monday, July 26 and continues through until August 26. It is part of a nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging reading among four to 12-year-olds.

To take up the idea, all children need to do is pop into their local library for a personal collector folder. As they read six books of their choice, they collect a series of cards designed by well-known children's illustrators.

On the back they can draw or write what they think about each book.

On completing their Reading Safari they receive a certificate and stand a chance that the prize draw will give them tickets for Knowsley Safari Park or Chester Zoo or win them book tokens.

"Children have a lot of time on their hands during the school holidays and we hope this scheme will encourage many of them to visit the library and check-out what it has to offer," said Councillor Keith Deakin, chairman of the council's Leisure Committee.

"As well as books, libraries offer story tapes, music CDs and videos and there is also a programme of local activities such as story times and play schemes during the summer holidays."

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