Awareness
Summer Stars reading programme celebrates Limericks literary culture
Summer Stars reading programme 2016 – Pictured at the launch was Hollie McDonald, Roisin Meaney and Ashley Whealan from Corpus Christi School Moyross. Picture: Oisin McHugh/WeAreTrueMedia.
Limerick City and County Council is inviting children to immerse themselves in the local literary tradition by taking part in the public libraries’ Summer Stars reading programme.
Over 50,000 children across the country will participate in the programme, which had its Limerick launch recently at Watch House Cross Community Library with a special event featuring acclaimed Limerick writer Roisin Meaney.
The author of The Daisy Picker and Putting out the Stars stirred the imaginations of the invited children with a reading, followed with a chat about their favourite books. The aim of the Summer Stars Programme is to encourage children to read 10 books throughout the summer holidays. On completion they will receive a certificate and medal of achievement.
The programme is off the back of research which has found that children who have easy access to books in their homes, schools or from regular visits to a library develop stronger reading skills and more positive attitudes towards learning.
Said Brenda Frawley, Executive Librarian at Limerick City & County Library Service, “The summer months provide an ideal opportunity for children to take time to find books they really enjoy and experience reading as an activity which is fun. The Summer Stars programme also provides the whole family with an opportunity to explore the full range of services available in their local library, such as story time sessions, children’s activities, access to talking books, computers and Internet access, and of course children’s books for all ages.
“Taking part is also a great way for children to keep learning over the school holidays. Reading books every day will help keep reading levels up, extend vocabulary and improve spelling. Even more importantly, it is lots of fun!”
To become a Summer Star, register today at one of the following participating libraries. They are:
· The Granary Library
· Watch House Cross Library
· Roxboro Library
· Dooradoyle Library
· Kilmallock Library
· Adare Library
· Rathkeale Library
· Newcastle West Library
· Abbeyfeale Library
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