Another successful Summer Reading Programme for library
In the Big Bush Read tent: Claire and librarian Tish. Photo: supplied
It’s been another summer of books for young Takaka readers. Lasr Friday marked the end of the Takaka Memorial Library’s Big Bush Read summer reading programme.
This year 100 children aged 5 to 12 years signed a contract with the library to keep reading over the holidays, and checked in four times with the librarians to talk about their books, choose new ones and take home a small reward each time. The library had a 90 per cent completion rate.
While children’s librarian Doris Sadlowski said she felt that kids and their families were very busy this summer, she noticed that the shelves were empty, which was a great sign.
“The programme makes quite a difference to how much the children read in the holidays, especially the little ones,” said Doris. “It bridges the gap over the summer between school terms.”
Doris said it also helped children become comfortable with going to the library, introduced them to the different types of books available, and built relationships with the librarians.
To highlight the bush theme, the Home School Group created a forest display in the foyer of the library, and check-ins were done inside a tent strung up in the children’s area.
“The tent was as popular with the librarians as it was with the kids,” said Doris. “Once you were inside you were sheltered from the usual mayhem that goes on at this time of the year!”
The small gifts given at each check-in proved popular, and included a camouflage cap, a set of pencils, pick-up sticks and a compass.
Mother of twins Lynne Cummins said her children Sian and Todd took out far more books this summer than they have in the past.
“We spent more time at the library and came away with a more diverse range of authors and reading levels,” said Lynne.
“I just love reading,” said Sian, aged 7. “It was fun choosing from the new box of books.”
Submitted
