It’s a new summer reading challenge aimed at 12 to 17-year-olds and is running until the end of august.

East Renfrewshire libraries service is behind the programme, which encourages teens to maintain and develop their literacy skills.

The reading scheme has a zombie theme and will include storytelling sessions, craft activities and guest authors.

Those taking part are asked to read four books over the summer. as well as picking up a wristband and USB open, they will be entered into a prize draw to win iTunes vouchers or book tokens.

The libraries team worked with the school libraries service and Woodfarm High School’s teen advisory board to set up Zombie Zone.

Ali Mundie, the librarian at Woodfarm, said it was important to encourage young people to take part in order to avoid the‘summer slide’.

She said:“Reading just four books over the summer can prevent what is called the‘summer slide’ where students lose educational ground because they may not be as stimulated as they are during the school year.” It is hoped Zombie Zone, plus the summer reading challenge for younger children, Mythical Maze, will instil and foster positive learning habits and long-term literacy skills among young people.

There’s also a popular summer challenge for adults – 800 people took part in last year’s event.

all East Renfrewshire libraries are taking part in the reading challenges.

To find out more about getting involved, call in to your local library or see www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/libraries