Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty youngsters have the opportunity to take part in another of life’s treasures this summer – a reading programme!

Yes that’s right – both Tauranga City and WBOP libraries are running summer reading programmes for tamariki these school holidays.

Tauranga City Libraries’ Kia Kaha te Pānui - Summer Reading Challenge is on from December 15-January 29 at all city library locations – and it’s free!

The programme has three challenges – one for mini readers aged 0-4, one for readers aged 5-10 and one for tween/teen readers aged 11-18.

For each of the challenges, participants read books – or have them read to them – then go to the library to tell staff about them. Staff give readers a secret code word that they log into the beanstack app. Once readers have done this three times, they win a prize!

Ages 0-10 will get a certificate, a special prize book to keep, and an invitation to a family party event.

Ages 11-18 will get a $20 Whitcoulls voucher. And everyone who comes in to tell TCC library staff about their book for the first time gets a swimming pool pass. For those aged five-18 there are chances to win other exciting prizes by doing extra activities and book reviews. Pop into your local Tauranga City library to find out more.

In the WBOP, the BOB Squad summer reading programme is back! The free, take-home reading programme is aimed at primary school-aged tamariki.

This year’s theme is Kaitiaki Moana - Ocean Guardians – and the goal is to encourage children to immerse themselves in books, and to have fun doing so!

There’s also activities or missions for tamariki to complete, including a word find, beach yoga, creating a story, a reading challenge log and more.

“The Bob Squad booklet is full of fun activities you can do with your children over the summer holidays. Bring your whānau into your local Western Bay library to sign up!” says customer services manager Valeta Duncan.

Tamariki can log their reading – and for every hour of reading they get an entry into a prize draw. The last day for check-ins for the BOB Squad booklet is Tuesday, January 24 at 5pm.

Those who take part will also receive an invitation to a finale party to round off the programme with kai and themed games and activities. To join the celebration, readers only need to at least one of the challenges in the BOB Squad booklet.

Also, WBOP teens can pick up an entry form for the Teen Reading Challenge this summer. At the end of the summer, all entries will go into a prize draw.

WBOP library locations are at The Centre - Pātuki Manawa, Katikati; Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre; Te Puke Library and Service Centre; and Waihī Beach Library and Service Centre.