4-4-2 Reading Challenge 2020
We were once again delighted to take part in the The SPFL Trust 4-4-2 Reading Challenge.
Despite the Coronavirus pandemic cutting the football season short and subsequently closing our public libraries 1,233 children were directly engaged which is an 60% increase from last season.
We had 3 cards returned, meaning we gave our 6 match tickets, for 3 children and 3 adults but as we reached out we had 6 local schools involved reaching an incredible 1,530 pupils!
SPFL Trust chief executive, Nicky Reid, is delighted with the project’s success after two years.
“The 4-4-2 Reading Challenge initiative is designed to encourage children who don’t regularly visit the library or attend a sport to do so,” she said.
“As such, we think it’s a real win-win opportunity for all concerned. The programme has engaged with nearly forty thousand kids in just under two full seasons, and we hope that can continue to grow.”
In 2019-20 we were delighted to secure a grant from Bòrd na Gàidhlig to enable the challenge to be accessible in Gàidhlig. This comes at a time when there are an increasing number of schools providing Gaelic Medium Education (GME) across Scotland.
David Boag, Director of Language Planning and Community Developments at Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig is delighted to have supported the 4-4-2 Reading Challenge to ensure that pupils with Gaelic can participate in this exciting initiative.
“The project supports the aim that Gaelic is used more often, by more people and in a wider range of situations.”
First established in 2017, our incentive-based programme inspires children of primary school age to read four books at their local library.
In return they earn two tickets to a participating SPFL club, free for themselves, and discounted for an adult.
Here’s how the programme works:
1 – Choose and borrow four books
2 – Collect one stamp for each read book on a handy postcard
3 – Exchange the card for a FREE child’s ticket and a discounted adult ticket for SPFL football matches at participating clubs (subject to terms and conditions)
Our partners at the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) recognise the value of the 4-4-2 Reading Challenge in helping libraries across the country secure a better future for children. Their support across the library network in Scotland has been crucial.
Pamela Tulloch, chief executive at SLIC, explains: “The 4-4-2 Reading Challenge is an excellent example of a successful partnership, making reading fun and exciting, as well as encouraging children to be active and seek out further interests.”
