Libraries across Wiltshire are getting ready to launch children into orbit for an intergalactic adventure with the 2010 Summer Reading Challenge.

The twelfth annual challenge, Space Hop, is part of an exciting free library promotion that runs in Wiltshire from July 17 to September 11.

Wiltshire Council-run libraries are encouraging four to 11 year-olds to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays, with collectable incentives along the way such as glow in the dark wristbands.

Children can sign up at their local library from Saturday, July 17 and all materials are absolutely free. Children are being encouraged to visit their library after this date to pick up their special holographic membership cards while stocks last.

An interactive Space Hop website has also just launched linking children with top authors and illustrators, and giving them space to talk about their favourite books and to share reading ideas. People should visit www.spacehop.org.uk for more information.

The Summer Reading Challenge is an immensely popular and successful reading initiative. Now in its twelfth year it reaches 750,000 children aged four to 11 years old throughout the UK library network. It is created and run by The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to inspire people to read more, and is supported by children’s publishers.

Space Hop is not a competition, but a personal challenge which offers reading inspiration and incentives to encourage children into libraries, at a time when schools are closed.

Large print Summer Reading Challenge materials are available for visually impaired children, thanks to the support of the RNIB National Library Service.

Sarah Hillier, county children’s librarian at Wiltshire Council, said: “Space Hop is all about sharing reading with families, friends and library staff. It’s also about children stretching themselves in their reading. We look forward to helping children do this. Last year 7,862 children took part in Wiltshire, many said it made a real difference to their reading.”

Some Wiltshire libraries are holding special Space Hop launches, these include: Bradford on Avon Library Join the Space Hop Friday, July 16 3.30pm to7pm.

Drop in, sign up and join in the fun. You can even meet local children's science fiction author David Johnson at 4.30pm.

Calne Library Friday, July 16 4pm to 6pm Space Hop Launch Party.

Come and join the Summer Reading Challenge at Mission Control in Calne Library.

Chippenham Library July 16 4pm to 7pm Lunar Launch Party – sign up and read up.

Corsham Library Friday, July 16 Blast Off Party.

Be one of the first to join in the Space Hop Reading Challenge, sign up from 4pm until 6pm.

Cricklade Library Wednesday, July 21 3.30pm to 5pm. Blast Off: reading challenge launch party.

Drop into our extra special launch party, with simple craft, browse brand new children’s books, expert advice on great books and join the summer reading challenge.

Devizes Library Friday, July 16 4pm to 6pm launch party.

Drop into our launch party to celebrate the start of our reading challenge. Lyneham Library Friday, July 23 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Space Hop Launch Party Come and join the Summer Reading Challenge at Mission Control in Lyneham Library.

Purton Library Friday, July 16 3.30pm to 5pm. Blast Off: reading challenge launch party.

Drop into our extra special launch party, with simple craft, browse brand new children’s books, expert advice on great books and join the summer reading challenge a day earlier than an everyone else.

Salisbury Library July 16 from 5pm to7pm. “Space Hop Launch”.

Be one of the first to register for the Summer Reading Challenge, then stay for a big “Read-In”.

Trowbridge Library Saturday, July 17 "Alien Antics" from 12pm to 2pm.

Join us for the launch of this year's Summer Reading Challenge - Space Hop. Pop in and sign up for the challenge and receive your free Space Hop membership card. Whilst you're here, why not listen to some fantastic alien tales and join in with our alien craft activities.