Summer reading challenge
Councillor Robert Arckless presented medals and certificates to the 39 youngsters who successfully completed this year’s summer reading challenge with a circus skills theme at Amble Library.
Addressing the children Councillor Arckless said, “It was a joy to do this. I have always had a thirst for books. It started in school and has continued ever since. Reading helps with so many other things in life.” He said it was appropriate that his favourite book as a child also had a circus theme.
To achieve their awards the children, aged between four and 12 years, had to read a total of six books over the summer holidays and make at least three visits to the library. To encourage them in their task they were given a starter pack to help them keep track of their reading and incentives and rewards along the way. On completion their names were put into a grand prize draw for the county, the prize being a Nintendo Wii with a circus game. The school with the highest percentage of finishers is also to be rewarded with a circus skills workshop.
Nicole Conning had heard about the challenge from her sister who had taken part in the previous year, she said, “I like reading, I will read anything.”
Sister and brother Nancy and Max Moody enjoyed reading dinosaur books, particularly one about a triceratops.
Steven Hayes was chosen by the Amble Library staff for a special reward; Councillor Arckless presented him with a baseball cap.
To support the challenge, Northumberland County Council library service ran events in the libraries, including craft, music and circus skills workshops. Councillor Neil Bradbury, of NCC said, “Our library staff have been working closely with local schools to promote the Challenge, which is always extremely popular and it’s a great way for families to get involved in libraries and experience the joy of reading. I am sure that those children who took part also got a great sense of achievement out of completing the challenge.”
Vivienne Dalgliesh
