Library News: Growing Readers, Reversing Trends, and Launching Summer Challenges

This year, our library has truly flourished, becoming a vibrant hub for creativity, independent learning, and a love of reading.

From interactive competitions and enrichment clubs to exciting author visits and book fairs, we’ve worked hard to make reading feel accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all students. And it’s working - we’re thrilled to report that our monthly book loan average has more than tripled since last year.

One statistic we’re especially proud of is that 58% of our total book loans this year came from boys - a fantastic reversal of the national trend, where boys typically borrow less than girls. This shows that our curated collection, inclusive displays, and student-led input are helping to get all young readers excited about books.

As we look ahead, we’re continuing to build on this momentum with exciting plans for Year 7 transition activities, a Summer Reading Challenge, and more resources to support learning across the curriculum.

Thank you to all our students, families, and staff who have supported the library this year. Here's to growing even more readers next year!

The Langley Academy’s Summer Reading Challenge 2025

This year, we’re excited to launch our very own Summer Reading Challenge - and it’s open to all students!

The challenge is fully digital and easy to access through each student’s Microsoft Teams account. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose a Book - Students can read any book they like from home, or they can visit Langley/Slough Library to borrow one. Remember reading counts as audiobooks, manga, newspaper/magazines or blog posts!
2. Log Your Read - After finishing a book, they simply fill out a short form on Teams.
3. Climb the Leaderboard - Each completed book earns them points, helping them rise up the Summer Reading Challenge Leaderboard.
4. Earn Badges - The more they read, the more Reader Badges they unlock.
5. Win Prizes - When we return in September, students at the top of the leaderboard will receive exciting prizes!

This challenge is a fun way to keep reading going over the long summer break. Regular reading over the holidays helps children maintain and build vocabulary, improve their focus and comprehension, boost creativity and imagination and stay mentally active and ready for the new school year.

So grab a book, get reading, and join the challenge!

Happy reading and enjoy the summer!