Join the crusade – the Reading Crusade

13 March 2013

Join the crusade – the Reading Crusade

Christchurch City Libraries is teaming up with the Canterbury Rugby Football Union to once again rally behind the development of great reading habits among children with the Reading Crusade, which kicked off in schools on Monday 11 March.

Primary and intermediate school children can all join the Crusade, where reading books will give them the chance to win a range of different prizes including Kobo Glo e-Readers and the chance to meet some of their favourite Crusaders at the prize-giving ceremony in May.

The process is simple: students can join up online, read four books of their choice, get their entry verified online, and go in to win. The more books read, the more entries they get. Over 60 Christchurch schools are participating, but students can enter individually if their school has not signed up.

Unit Manager Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson says this is the sixth time Libraries have held the Reading Crusade, and that it’s a winning tactic that gets plenty of support.

“The Crusade is about providing the opportunity for young students to see that reading is cool. Competition with gaming and social media is intense – so the old adage of “if you can’t beat them – join them” applies – kids can read using e-readers, audio books, magazines, comics or any reading material. It’s about providing children with a range of reading materials – something to suit all tastes – engage them young and they will develop a life-long reading habit.

“Traditionally, it’s a special challenge trying to convince boys to read, and having heroes and role models like the Crusaders on board is an extra incentive for young men to connect with the programme, take its message to heart and start reading.”

Other prizes include signed shirts and balls and at least one lucky child will win a stack of books as high as themselves courtesy of Christchurch Paper Plus stores.

The first Reading Crusade in 2003 attracted 7000 entries and gained a 3M Innovation Award for Reading Literacy.

This year’s Reading Crusade runs from Monday 11 March to Friday 19 April 2013 and is followed by a prize-giving at the beginning of Term Two attended by at least three current Crusaders.

For more information on the Reading Crusade please visit www.christchurchcitylibraries.com/readingcrusade

ENDS

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