The Summer Stars reading programme was run in public libraries throughout the country this summer.
Free and open to all children, the Summer Stars programme provides the whole family with an opportunity to explore the full range of events and facilities which are available in their local library, such as children’s activities, access to talking books and games, computers and Internet access, and of course children’s books for all ages.
“We’ve ran this reading challenge in its various guises throughout all the branch libraries for the last number of years and it seems to be getting bigger year on year which is a great sign,” said a spokesperson for Sligo Libraries.
Each child who registered for the programme at Tubbercurry Community library (or indeed any of the Sligo Libraries) joined in the fun of reading lots of exciting books during the summer.
Children received their own Summer Stars Reading Card to record their progress and the Summer Stars Reward Stamp was added to their card at the library for time they visited. Fun rewards were provided along the way.
This culminated with all the South Sligo participants visiting Tubbercurry Community Library at the end of the programme; to receive their award certificate and medal and enjoy a storytelling event afterwards with storyteller and illustrator Wayne O’Connor.
“The purpose of the reading challenge as well as the obvious one of promoting the library in the local community is also to keep the participants involved in reading during the summer school break. It’s well known that regular reading helps develop your vocabulary, aids memory improvement and improves your focus and concentration.
“It also helps to introduce the reluctant reader to the joys of reading, for example by;
– Promoting Comic books or graphic novels as a way of helping children to follow the story if they have difficulty reading.
– Encourage children to choose stories they are likely to really enjoy.
– Asking the parent to give lots of encouragement and praise for even the smallest accomplishment, this is reinforced by a small reward at every visit.
– Asking the parent to focus on the enjoyment and fun of reading. If you show an interest in reading and learning yourself, your child will be more likely to follow your lead and explore as well.”
