Keen young gamers are being given the chance to join a three-day Playstation football tournament at Knaresborough library in August. The event, which takes place between August 18th and 20th, is just one of many sporty activities to tie in with the Beijing Olympics, planned by North Yorkshire's libraries as part of the National Year of Reading campaign.

The three-day play-off, called Pro-Evolution Soccer 2008, involves up to 32 teams for young people aged eight to 13. It will go to three rounds, with the champions winning free vouchers for hiring Playstation games from the library.

Librarians hope the event will encourage boys in particular, who are often seen as reluctant readers, to view libraries as fun places with plenty of interesting activities.

The National Year of Reading, endorsed by Government, is an important drive to help children, families and adults understand the benefits that reading – for pleasure or purpose – can bring to change lives for the better.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for library and information services, said: "This promises to be an exciting home-game with everything to play for. I'm delighted that our team in Knaresborough is hosting this three-day tournament which shows that libraries are full of lively opportunities."

Children in Scarborough are being invited by the town library to design a "Read the Game" poster throughout August of their favourite sport. Posters will be displayed in the children's library with a prize for the best one.

Children will be entered for the competition when they sign up for Team Read, this year's theme for the annual Summer Reading Challenge. The Reading Challenge is simple – children read six books during the summer through their local library. They are given a special pack and a set of incentives to collect as they read, with a certificate and medal for those that successfully complete the Challenge.

An interactive Team Read website has been launched, linking children with top authors and illustrators whilst giving them space to talk about their favourite books and share reading ideas. All libraries are holding activity sessions in the holidays – for details ring 01609 533800 or look on www.northyorks.gov.uk/teamread.

In addition, a rap workshop for secondary age students is taking place at Eastfield library, Scarborough with popular rap artist James Koppert who will be giving young people the chance to write their own rap, set it to music and record it.

Team Read activities include:

Friday 1^st August Mini- Olympics (5 – 11 years)

Settle Library Tel. 0845 034 9537 10:30 am – 12:00 noon

Limited places, please book a ticket at the library.

Tuesday 5^th August Mini – Olympics (5 – 11 years)

Skipton Library Tel. 0845 034 9538 10:00 – 11:30 am

Limited places, please book a ticket at the library.

Tuesday 5^th August China and the Olympics: stories, crafts, games

Grassington, picnic site at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre

(by kind permission of the Yorkshire Dales National Park) 2:00 – 3:30 pm

(5 -11years)

Monday 18^th August Mini – Olympics (5 – 11 years)

Crosshills Library Tel. 0845 034 9533 10:30 am – 12:00 noon

Limited places, please book a ticket at the library.

Tuesday 19^th August Sport Stories & Crafts with story teller Joe Collins

Gargrave Library Tel. 0845 034 9535 10:30 am – 12:00 noon

(5 – 11 years) Limited places, please book a ticket at the library.

Tuesday 19^th August Sport Stories & Crafts with story teller Joe Collins

Skipton Library Tel. 0845 034 9538 2:00 – 3:30 pm (5 – 11 years)

Limited places, please book a ticket at the library.

Tuesday 19^th August An Olympic Challenge: football/sport, skills, games, stories (5 – 11 years)

Ingleton Library Tel. 0845 034 9536 10:30am – 12:00 noon

(and the Parish Council Playing Field)

Tuesday 19^th August An Olympic Challenge: football/sport, skills, games, stories (5 – 11 years)

Bentham Library Tel. 0845 034 9532 2:00 – 3:30 pm.