Children across Devon dived into reading recently as part of Libraries Unlimited’s ocean-themed Summer Book Quest – but it was The Beacon Primary School in Exmouth that truly made waves.
With the highest completion rate of any school in Devon and Torbay, Beacon pupils helped propel Exmouth Library to the top spot, recording the highest number of finishers of all participating libraries.
Between July and September children aged 4–12 across Devon and Torbay took part in The Summer Book Quest, an ocean-themed reading challenge.
As their reading was tracked, they completed fun activities such as drawing sea creatures, sharing underwater facts, and trying water-based experiences like swimming or rock pooling.
Children could log either time spent reading or number of books read. The Quest aimed to promote literacy, creativity, and library engagement, culminating in medals and certificates for those who completed the challenge.
Anne Billington, headteacher said:
“It’s a fantastic recognition of the love of reading that we foster for the children and families in our One Big Beacon Family.
“We enjoy a close working relationship with Exmouth Library, visiting regularly and welcoming Isaac from Exmouth Library to The Beacon regularly to hear about his love of reading, ask him questions about working in the library and to hear about each new Book Quest. We are so lucky to have such a super team at Exmouth Library, as is evidenced by the success of the Summer Book Quest.”
Isaac Besley, Exmouth Library said:
“The Summer Book quest was a new challenge designed and put forward by Libraries Unlimited for the children of Devon and Torbay this year.
“The pupils of The Beacon Church of England Primary school faced up to that challenge with an amazing result, ending up with the highest percentage of children finishing The Summer Book Quest of all the schools in Exmouth. The Beacon and other schools in Exmouth have contributed towards Exmouth Library having the highest number of finishers for The Summer Book Quest out of all of the libraries in Libraries Unlimited.”