The library will officially kick off the program at 4pm on Thursday, with craft activities and games for children aged five and above.

Tamworth library assistance Jacqueline Smith said the six-week summer holidays were a long time for children to go without reading, particularly if they’ve just picked up the skill.

“The club keeps them going during the holidays so they don’t fall back on any of the skills they’ve acquired throughout the year,” Ms Smith said.

“It really nurtures that skill set and either develops it further or at least maintains it.”

Along with providing continuity in a child’s reading, Ms Smith said the program also had tangible educational benefits.

“The positive feedback we get back from teachers is amazing,” she said.

“Some students, who may be lagging behind, turn up to the first term of school and have improved because of the program.”

Ms Smith said kids could read at their own level, and there were incentives and prizes to keep them interested. “Reading is so important, it’s something we use every day and it empowers to people to make informed choices at any stage of life,” she said.

Kids can register for the club at their local library or do it online at summerreadingclub.org.au.