15 January 2001

A summer reading programme run by Manukau City Council Libraries has proved extremely popular with Manukau families. All of the 775 places available were filled within the first week of enrolments, with 95% of the places taken on the first day. Parents even joined long queues at some branches to ensure their child had a place on the programme.

The Summer Reading Programme aims to improve children’s reading ability while promoting family involvement in their child’s reading habits. Children agree to read or be read to for 15 minutes a day during the period of the programme. They receive one-on-one time with library staff to discuss their progress and a prizegiving is held to celebrate the completion of the programme.

“The response to the programme has been amazing,” says Linda Bown, Children’s Services Co-ordinator, “It clearly shows the demand for family literacy programmes in the community and that parents want to play an active role in developing their child’s reading ability. The increased sponsorship from Auckland International Airport this year means we could provide more places on the programme.”

Promotion of the programme successfully reached people who were not current library members, with over 200 new children’s library cards issued during enrolment.

-ENDS-

Attach: Calendar of Activity Days and Prizegiving Dates

For more information on this article please contact:
Gina Mullane
Manukau Libraries
Ph: 262 5281 Fax: 262 5158
Email: gmullane@manukau.govt.nz

Manukau Libraries Summer Reading Programme
Activity Days and Prizegiving Dates

Manukau City Centre Library
Sat 6 Jan 11.00am W.E.B Klub meeting
Mon 22 Jan 11.00am Prizegiving

Papatoetoe Library
Thurs 25 Jan 11.00am Prizegiving

Otara Library
Tues 16 Jan 12.00pm Sausage Sizzle
Thurs 1 Feb 4.00pm Prizegiving

Highland Park Library
Tues 9 Jan 10.30am Ant Antics
Mon 15 Jan 10.30am The Grinch Funtime
Thurs 18 Jan 6.00pm Sausage Sizzle
Tues 23 Jan 4.00pm Prizegiving

Howick Library
Weds 10 Jan 11.00am Activity Day
Weds 17 Jan 11.00am Activity Day
Tues 23 Jan 11.00am Prizegiving

Pakuranga Library
Weds 10 Jan 10.30am Grinch Day
Tues 23 Jan 10.30am Activity Day
Sun 4 Feb 2.00pm Prizegiving

Mangere East Library
Weds 24 Jan 2.00pm Prizegiving

Mangere Town Centre Library
Fri 26 Jan 11.30am Prizegiving
at Ambury Farm

Mangere Bridge Library
Fri 26 Jan 11.30am Prizegiving
at Ambury Farm

Manurewa Library
Weds 10 Jan 10.30am Activity Day
Tues 23 Jan 2.00pm Prizegiving

Clendon Library
Friday 12 Jan 10.30am Bugs Day Out
Friday 19 Jan 10.30am Picnic Parade
Thurs 25 Jan 2.00pm Prizegiving

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