New Readers Inspired by School Library Programme

Ruapehu’s ‘libraries in schools’ programme is successfully introducing a new generation to the joys of reading and learning and the self-esteem that comes from solving problems for their themselves.

RDC Community Librarian, Fiona Thomas, said that last week after a visit by St Patrick’s two of the kids came back independently with their mum’s to join the library and take out books they found during their visit that they wanted to read.

“One of the mum’s was particularly delighted as her boy was normally a non-reader,” she said.

“This is exactly the sort of outcome we want to achieve with the ‘libraries in schools’ programme.”

“By bringing classrooms into the library the kids learn firsthand all about how the library works and easy and fun it is.”

Mrs Thomas said that along with St Patrick’s, Ngakonui and Taumarunui Primary Schools have taken part in the programme that started this year.

“Libraries in schools is proving hugely popular with the kids helping them find out all about the joys of reading while learning how their library can help them research information,” she said.

“Studies clearly show that the love of reading can make such a huge difference to a child’s future.”

“Getting young people comfortable about using their library and understanding all the services their library offers gives them a huge learning advantage while helping set them up for when they go onto high school and higher education.”

Mrs Thomas said that the child friendly programme consists of a range of fun activities such as quizzes, challenges and treasure hunts that teach the kids all about their library from its lay out, the Dewy Decimal system, different categories, ways to source information, how to check what books are available and other things.

“The St Pat’s kids visit had a ‘rollicking adventure stories’ theme especially aimed at getting the boys excited about reading.”

“During their visit the children learned how to find their favourite author using the alphabetical order system, went on a book hunt using clues to find the ‘Wosley – Worm Family’ and then talked about the books they had found.”

Mrs Thomas added that due to the success of the programme in Taumarunui council was planning on canvassing other district schools to see if they would be interested in taking part.

“It would be especially good if some of the smaller rural school kids could come in and take part in the ‘libraries in schools’ activities,” she said.

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