Summer Reading Programmes

Once again, the seven libraries (previously known as Rodney) are running our very successful Summer Reading Programmes. This summer the theme is to Go Bush and we are carrying that theme through with the Big Bush Read for 5 to 8 year olds and Library Monopoly for the 9 to 13 year olds.

The Big Bush Read : Te Panui Ngahere Nui

This is an incentive based reading programme which aims to encourage and promote books, libraries, and the fun of reading to children over the summer holidays. Participants do not need to be reading by themselves to participate in the programme. In fact reading aloud to and with your child is of real benefit in keeping up the momentum over the holiday break and in preparing them for independent reading.

Children enrolled in the programme receive a colourful folder to record the books that they read. When the children come into the library to ‘report-in’ (share with a staff member the books they have been reading) they receive a sticker and earn Library dollars to buy their ticket to the Grand Finale party. Children who complete the programme by ‘reporting-in’ four times can buy their ticket to the Finale which includes guest storytellers, and presentation of their prizes.

Library Monopoly - Branch out in your Reading

This programme for the older children was so well received last year, that we had to bring it back. Following a similar format of incentives, the children receive a special Monopoly Board when they enrol. At each visit they roll the dice three times to move around the board and must read the type of book that they land on (for instance an author they have never read before, adventure, animal stories, non-fiction). Each book is given a star rating and to earn their Library dollars, at each report in they must hand in a short review. Four dollars will buy their ticket to the Grand Finale party where they will receive their certificates and prize.

AND with the support of the community and the Library, these programmes are offered free of charge. Enrolments for both programmes open on the 29th of November and all report in's must be completed by 24th January so that you can buy your tickets for the Finales later that week. So that's eight weeks of the summer in which to come to the library four times for your report-ins (we do stagger these so they are not all completed in one week). If you are on holiday it may be possible to report-in by phone, fax, or email.

For more information or to find out about the enrolments, talk to your local library (Mahurangi East, Wellsford, Warkworth, Kumeu, Helensville, Orewa or Whangaparaoa). Or if you are somewhere else in Auckland, check with your library about what they are doing as we almost all run something to keep you reading on holiday.