18 August 2005

Over 150 teenagers from across Manukau City turned out for The Odyssey wrap-up event at Botany Library last Saturday night. The Manukau Libraries’ programme is in its fourth year.

It was a finalist in the 3M award for Innovation in Libraries in 2002. Now running in 12 public libraries across the country the programme aims to get more young people reading books, by rewarding them with points for every book they read over an 8 week period.

A live DJ played the latest hits on the dance floor, proving Botany Library is not only the ideal library but ideal entertainment venue. Playstation singstar, gaming, eyetoy, DVDs and rugby league on the big screen made use of the state-of-the-art IT, which recently took out the 2005 Computerworld Award for Excellence in the Use of IT in Government. Free nail manicures and temporary tattoos were provided by local nail and body artists, and added a glamour factor to the night.

Sixteen year old Nawfal Mudafar of Pakuranga was the lucky winner of the IPod Shuffle prize draw.

Manukau Libraries sponsored a Howick and Eastern bus to transport youth from Manurewa Library, Mangere Town Centre and Tupu Youth library and back home again. This year there was a total of 372 teenagers taking party in The Odyssey programme. Odyssey participants can hand in their points cards over the next week to find out if they have won one of the 80 prizes up for grabs.

For more information about The Odyssey go to www.manukau-libraries.govt.nz . For more about The Odyssey concept visit www.theodyssey.co.nz

ENDS

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