Kids aim to read 40,000 books

The response has been “amazing” this year to the annual Westmeath County Libraries’ summer reading initiative, Reach for the Stars.

“In an age associated with mobile phones and computer games, it is refreshing to realise that reading for pleasure is still something which appeals to children today,” county librarian, Paula O’Dornan said this week.

She explained that for several years, the seven branch libraries have encouraged children to keep up their reading skills by taking part in a summer reading challenge.

“Recent research has proven that children who do not read over the summer holidays, especially new readers, can suffer a significant setback in their reading ability,” she said.

“Parents who encourage their children to read for pleasure will be doing them a great service. Recreational reading can help to spark the imagination and to develop an enquiring mind as well as improving a child’s vocabulary.

“It has often been said that when you give a child the gift or reading you give them a friend for life.”

The target is for the children to read 37,000 books over the three summer months. Already in June they have borrowed and read 13,200 books.

“If this trend continues we seem sure to exceed our target and who knows perhaps even reach 40,000,” said Ms O’Dornan.

The concept of Reach for the Stars is a simple one: children are invited to record the number of books they have read on their personal Summer Reading Challenge cards.

All the star readers will be entered into a library draw, which will take place in September.

www.westmeathcoco.ie/library