MEMBERS of a local charity received certificates after successfully completing a reading challenge during the summer holidays.
CLASP, a self-advocacy group for adults with learning disabilities in Wokingham Borough, took part in the Reading Ahead scheme organised by Wokingham Borough Council’s libraries team.
Members of the group were invited to read and give their opinion on six books, but could also choose audio books, newspapers, magazines and poems.
A total of 13 members completed the challenge, and received their certificates at Wokingham Library.
Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services, said: “Our libraries team always do a fantastic job at helping the community when it comes to events and challenges like this.
“We can all find it hard to set aside time to enjoy a good book, but when we make time it can be an incredibly rewarding experience and inspire you to find another read from the same author or genre.
“The Reading Ahead challenge is a great way to get people to realise that it is not only an achievement if you finish a bulky novel.
“Enjoying a short story, magazine or audiobook can be just as satisfying.
“I’m thrilled to hear such wonderful feedback from the team at CLASP, who are always so enthusiastic and throw themselves at challenges like this with a big smile and positive attitude.”
Debs Morrison, CEO of CLASP, also took part in Reading Ahead.
She said: “It was great to have a challenge to encourage us all to invest more time in reading, listening to talking books and realising that reading a newspaper or magazine were all great contributions.
“It certainly re-ignited my interest in reading and making time for myself.
“It made my free time more purposeful. It feels good and I would highly recommend it.
“Thank you to the team at Wokingham Library for all their help and for partnering with CLASP.”
Actor David Jason’s autobiography, No Country for Old Men, by Cormac McCarthy, and Grandpa’s Great Escape, by David Walliams, were among the group’s favourite reads from the challenge.
CLASP Trustee Steven Allen enjoyed learning new facts about his home town, woodley, including about the underground streams in the area.
Member Nikk Brown added: “It made me think differently.
“It also made me realise why I hadn’t been reading so much and missing out on that enjoyment.
“And I get to create images and characters in my head.”
Reading Ahead aims to challenge participants to try something new and discover that reading can be a pleasure, as well as helping to build confidence.
It is not the only initiative that the council’s libraries team have been running recently, with the annual Summer Reading Challenge and The Little Explorers Club giving younger readers the chance to enjoy books too.
For information about the charity visit: www.claspwokingham.org
For more about the reading challenge, log onto: www.readingagency.org.uk and search for reading ahead.
