This year marks the 50th anniversary of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin setting foot on the moon and Onchan’s library is celebrating it.

Children at the Harvey Brigg’s Library in the centre of the village will be encouraged to learn about the space race as part of a reading challenge inspired by the Apollo 11 landing.

This year’s challenge - titled ’Space Chase’ - will enable children to learn about the pioneering era of space exploration via a series of events and activities throughout the school holidays.

The challenge was launched by astronomer Howard Parkin who gave an engaging and educational presentation to children about the stars.

Assistant librarian Quinn Shipton said: ’Space has long been one of our favourite themes here at the library, so we are very excited about the theme for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

’A very special thank you to Howard Parkin for hosting our launch event, and to Old Mutual International for supporting us again this year which helps us create an out-of-this-world summer for all of the children that come into the library.

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’We’ve put together a programme of exciting competitions and free activities, so be sure to pop in to find out more and book your tickets.’

The challenge is open to children aged four to 11.

During the summer, there are also a number of activity days children can take part in for free: July 31, bring along some recycled materials to create your space ship and enter the SpaceCRAFT competition; August 7, make your own clay aliens; August 14, Saturn, Jupiter or Mars? Which planet do you fancy visiting next?; August 21: What is it like to live and work on the International Space Station?

The challenge and the events are free to enter, but the library does ask parents to register first. To do so contact Pam Hand by calling 621228 or email [email protected].

The library is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm on Saturdays, 2pm to 7pm on Thursdays and until 5pm every other day, closed Sunday.