This summer marks the fifth year of the Summer Reading Challenge in Westmeath. A few years ago the summer reading scheme was introduced with a new library mascot called Ruairi.
With each year that passes, more and more children ‘read with Ruairi’ in all Westmeath’s branch libraries. Ruairi is an impish elf created by Lorna Farrell of Moate Library, who has made Ruairi even more appealing this year. The aim of this fun initiative is to keep children reading throughout the summer period.
Over 300 years ago a great English man of letters, Joseph Addison, realised that “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”. Librarians and others have noticed that children and teenagers who love reading have comparatively higher IQs than those who don’t. For younger children, reading just four or five books over the course of the summer will help to prevent them losing their newly-acquired reading skills.
Reading is a great way to help your child improve vocabulary and word power. Studies have proven that regular readers develop greater concentration skills and improve both imagination and conversation skills. Added to the benefits of regular exercise and good diet, encouraging your child to read is one of the most positive gifts you can give them.
Membership of Westmeath’s libraries is free to school children, so why not encourage your child to visit your local library and pick up a Summer Reading Challenge card today? If you have a reluctant reader or a child with learning difficulties, library staff will be happy to advise you on the resources in stock.
All those who take part in the reading challenge will be issued with their own personal reading card featuring the new-look Ruairi. They will set their own targets and receive a personalised certificate in the autumn.
So whether you are a teacher, parent, or grandparent, please encourage children to visit their local library in Westmeath and join the Summer Reading Challenge, which runs from June until the end of August.
Let’s work together to make this year’s Summer Reading Challenge the best yet and keep Ruairi smiling.
