Summer is here and school’s out; so why not enrol your child in the Summer Reading adventure at Westport Library?
It’s fun and it’s free; thanks to Mayo Library Service. To take part each child commits to reading eight books over the summer months of July and August and if they complete the challenge, they become a Summer Star with a certificate and a medal to prove it.
Summer Stars is the national reading programme for children taking place in all 330 public libraries throughout the country this summer, from Saturday, June 15 until the end of August. The reading adventure encourages children to read over their summer holidays, to enjoy the fun and pleasure of reading and participate in the related events and activities at their local library.
Enrolment is free and when you sign your children up they are given a report card and review sheets to record their thoughts on each book.
Participants will then receive a special stamp on their report card for every book they read and review. Upon completion of the challenge, each will receive a medal and a certificate at a special ceremony on Saturday, August 31.
According to librarian Keith Martin: “Reading has many long-term benefits for children and helps develop creativity and imagination, increases concentration and attention, improves communications skills and reading is fun, relaxing and calming. It is also ideal for rainy summer days. Reading will also give your child greater self-esteem and allow them to entertain themselves.
"By focusing on stories that are fun and by ensuring the story is not too easy but not too hard, you can really help encourage your child’s reading. Comic books, graphic novels, or books about sports or hobbies can be a great way of introducing a reluctant reader into reading more. Finally lots of praise and encouragement and frequent visits to Westport Library can really make things easier and fun for your young readers."
In addition to the Summer Star reading challenge, Westport library a offers a huge range of books, eBooks, DVDs and CDs for younger readers.
For more information on the Summer Star challenge, or on the library, just pop into Westport Library or call (098 ) 25747. Membership is now free, late fees have been abolished and borrowers can borrow up to 12 books.
