Limited spaces on summer reading programme

25 November 2013

A summer reading programme at the Waipa district libraries over December and January aims to get children excited about reading from an early age.

The nationwide programme, which has been around in parts of New Zealand for 17 years, is free to children aged five to 12 years.

Only 70 spaces are available at each library on a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations open on December 2 with the summer beach read' themed programme running from December 16 through to January 22.

District librarian Alison Gordon said the programmes were always popular and often over-subscribed.

The idea of the programme is to promote and encourage young people to become readers early on in life and summer holidays is a great time to do that. The numbers are limited because of the space and staff we have available during a busy library period, she said.

Children on the programme must visit the library at least three times to meet with a librarian. At each visit they receive a small incentive plus help to find books. For those children who finish the programme special parties are held at each library where they are presented with a certificate, a medal and a free book. There will also be food and entertainment.

Children wishing to participate should register their interest at their local library in either Te Awamutu or Cambridge from December 2 this year. The libraries are both run by the Waipa District Council.

Ends

For further information please contact

Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of Council) 027 5077 599.