For 19,000 Kiwi Kids Summer = Reading Fun

THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC LIBRARY MANAGERS INCORPORATED

Media Release: 19th December 2012

For 19,000 Kiwi Kids Summer = Reading Fun!

Close to 19,000 primary school children all around New Zealand are about to embark on summer reading programmes at their local public libraries, reaping the many benefits of keeping up their reading during summer.

Research has shown that children can lose some of their reading skills if they do not keep reading during the school holidays. Teachers report that gains made over the previous school year can be lost, particularly in families that do not support and share reading or visit libraries.

Summer reading programmes encourage children to read over the school break and maintain their literacy skills. The fun programmes are focused on family involvement and developing reading skills. They recognise children’s reading efforts and include storytelling events with visiting authors, music, puppet shows, prizes, and end-of-programme celebrations. Te Reo programmes are offered in some libraries, sometimes involving community volunteers.

“Public libraries are one of the only places where children can get that sustained reading support over the summer holidays,” says Paula Murdoch, Chair of Public Libraries of New Zealand.

Overwhelmingly positive feedback is received each year from children, parents, schools and local government representatives on local libraries’ summer reading programmes. As one message of thanks to the Eastern and Central Summer Reading Programme put it - “Brilliant programme. Makes reading really cool!”

Contact your local library to find out if they are running a summer reading programme.

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