Your Skipton Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Diana Ross & Lionel Richie

Endless Love

Listen Live Podcasts

Young reader completes whistle-stop tour of county's libraries

Monday, 1 September 2025 15:32

Kaitlin (left) and Liz Clarkson.

An avid young reader has visited every library in North Yorkshire to share her love of books over the school summer holidays.

Kaitlin Clarkson, 12, who lives near Masham, has read about 150 library books so far this year, which inspired her to embark on a literary-themed adventure.

Kaitlin took part in the Summer Reading Challenge until the maximum age of 11, which encourages children to read six library books of their choice over the summer holidays.

This year, Kaitlin set herself the challenge of visiting all 42 North Yorkshire libraries with her mother, Liv, and brother, Toby, during the six-week break.

Kaitlin said:

“My aim was to call at every library in the county and I can’t believe that’s what we achieved.

“I’ve loved my summer adventure and have been able to spread my love of reading throughout my travels.

“I’ve taken a picture outside of every library to document the journey and borrowed different books as I went.

“My favourite books are romantic comedies and graphic novels.”

Kaitlin aims to be a Summer Reading Challenge volunteer next year, again touring some of her favourite libraries to inspire more children to read.

Executive member for libraries, Cllr Simon Myers, said:

“Kaitlin is a great advocate for people to use their local library, and to highlight the importance of reading during the school holidays.

“Staff and volunteers have been delighted to welcome her family through their doors and have helped to choose different books to borrow.

“Our libraries offer a vast collection of books for young readers, but they offer so much more.

“There are thousands of free digital audio books, eBooks, magazines, newspapers, comics and graphic novels to explore.”

Find out more information about what libraries offer.

More from Local news

Skipton prepares for Yorkshire Day celebrations this weekend

Skipton is getting ready to celebrate Yorkshire Day this weekend, with a packed programme of free entertainment, family activities and community events taking place across the town.
Channel 4 star added to lineup for Skipton Pride

Skipton Pride have announced a guest speaker to be added to their line-up.
Craven Lawn Tennis Club celebrates President's Day champions in Gargrave

Craven Lawn Tennis Club in Gargrave has crowned its President's Day champions following a closely contested annual competition.
Upcoming rail engineering work to shut lines between Bradford and Shipley for three days

Rail engineering work between Bradford Forster Square and Shipley will close all lines between the two from Saturday, 1st August 2026, for three days.
Skipton MP opposes plans for 1,250-person asylum centre

Skipton MP Sir Julian Smith has joined fellow MPs in opposing Government plans to accommodate up to 1,250 asylum seekers at the former RAF Linton-on-Ouse site.
Hardware store in Silsden raises money for Manorlands Hospice

A simple fundraising idea at a Silsden hardware shop is helping to raise money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice while giving old tennis balls a new lease of life.
Silsden Proms on the Farm raises £6,000 for local charities

More than 400 people gathered on the banks of the River Aire earlier this month for another hugely successful Silsden Proms on the Farm event, raising an incredible £6,000 for local charities.
Councillor to 'brave the shave' after wife's devastating cancer diagnosis

A bearded councillor is preparing to shave off his hair for Macmillan Cancer Support following his wife’s devastating cancer diagnosis.
Skipton apprentice recognised at Yorkshire agricultural awards

A Skipton apprentice has been recognised for his achievements after receiving an award celebrating emerging talent in the farming industry.
Nearly 200 drink and drug driving arrests made across North Yorkshire in five-week police operation

Nearly 200 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving across York and North Yorkshire during a five-week police operation.
Skipton MP meets North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable to discuss policing priorities

Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has met with North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber to discuss policing priorities and the challenges facing communities across the county.
Boutique Olé in Silsden closes its doors

An independent boutique in Silsden is preparing to close after clearing much of its shop stock and fittings.
Glistenbury Festival to return to Glusburn this August in support of hospice charity

A popular charity music festival is set to return to Glusburn this summer, bringing together live entertainment, family activities and fundraising for a local cause.
Skipton Cricket Club aims for Dubai tournament this November

Skipton Cricket Club is hoping to take one of its senior teams to an international tournament in Dubai later this year.
Silsden Town Hall seeks new trustees to help shape its future

Silsden Town Hall is looking to expand its board of trustees as it continues its work supporting the local community and planning for the future.
Skipton Golf Club launches new initiative to encourage more women into the sport

Skipton Golf Club has been selected as a pilot club for a new England Golf initiative designed to encourage more women under the age of 50 to take up golf.
Official date revealed for Skipton Christmas Market

The dates have been revealed for this year's Skipton Christmas Market.
Local Farm celebrates 40 years with Yorkshire Air Ambulance partnership

St Helen's Farm, just outside Gargrave is marking its 40th anniversary by launching a new partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance that could raise up to £30,000 for the charity.
Skipton Pride release full lineup for event in August

Organisers of Skipton Pride have unveiled the full entertainment line-up for this year's event, which takes place on Saturday 8th August.
Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly

Residents are being reminded not to place batteries or unwanted electrical items containing batteries in their household waste or recycling bins to help to prevent fires.