14/06/2013
Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.
Joint Library Initiative
Want to use computer? They’ve got it. Want to use Wi Fi? They’ve got it. Want to download an ebook? They’ve got it. Want to read a paper book? They have millions of them too!
And now they are planning to launch a Summer Reading Challenge for kids and not a pair of glasses or a bun in sight.
Today’s Irish public library buildings challenge our perceived notions of public libraries and are vibrant and busy places – more than 17 million books were borrowed from these libraries last year.
In the current economic climate it’s great to know that cash strapped parents can bring their children to open and welcoming libraries that offer millions of books and events. Research shows that children’s literacy is greatly improved by access to summer reading and preschool reading programs at public libraries.
This summer some of the nation’s public libraries are buzzing with a great initiative for their young readers this summer. In a pilot scheme 6 local authority library services have joined forces to spread the message of the importance of summer reading to children and their parents.
Libraries throughout Dublin, Kildare and Longford are helping to keep children reading this summer and by organising a summer reading challenge. The programme, called Going Places with Books; the Summer Reading Buzz, has been designed to address the drop in reading attainment levels that occurs when children are away from the regular reading activity that happens during the school year. The children taking up the challenge are encouraged to join the library and read 10 books. Each child is given a loyalty card that is stamped for every book they read and then entered into a draw for some great prizes. Most of the libraries are running programmes of activities that complement the challenge and these are open to all children.
A glance at some of the events on offer show how well and truly gone is the ‘shush’ approach to children in a library. There are magic shows, arts and crafts, author visits, drawing classes, dance routines, puppet shows and even ‘live bees’ on offer in some of the libraries. These libraries offer welcoming, safe spaces for our children with staff who are only too happy to help you select the right book for your child. Technology is also embraced with open arms. Some library authorities now offer free ebook and audio book lending to their members. Free online reads are available via Tumblebooks in the Children’s Zone on the website of South Dublin Libraries.
By sharing resources and skills this group of enthusiastic librarians from Dublin City, Fingal, Kildare, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Longford and South Dublin libraries will brighten up your children’s summer.
The old Shush is gone from children’s libraries – replaced with energy, fun and great places for families and kids to gather and enjoy themselves while improving their literacy levels. What’s not to like about that?
The Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald and the Mayors from South Dublin, Dublin City, Fingal, Kildare and Longford County Councils and the Cathaoirleach for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown will be present with local school children to formally launch the Summer Reading Buzz Campaign in County Library, Tallaght on Monday 17th June at 12.00pm.
For further information, contact South Dublin County Council Communications Unit at communications@sdublincoco.ie or 01 4149285
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