The Family Library is holding a party on Saturday (September 14) to celebrate the success of this year’s Summer Reading Scheme.
This year’s scheme – with activities centred on Roald Dahl favourite Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – was a big hit. A 30 per cent increase compared with 2012 saw the number of children taking up the challenge top 400.
Librarian in charge Mary Cousins said: ‘We’re delighted at the increased number of children taking part in the summer reading scheme this year – especially when you consider that, for much of the summer holiday, the weather was so good.’
A party is being held to celebrate the end of the scheme, at the Family Library in Westmoreland Road, Douglas. All those who took part in the reading scheme have been invited.
The library itself is closed to the public on Saturday.
Children who took part in the scheme were asked to read one book per week – through the library – to a total of five to complete the challenge. They could choose their own books for the scheme, which ended on Saturday.
After each book was completed, children received a badge and they will also receive certificates for completing the challenge.
There was a wide range of activities throughout the summer to tie-in with the theme, including workshops to make armpit fudge and Oompa Loompa Allsorts bracelets!
Professional illustrator Gary Myers held sessions covering everything from creating posters to designing sweet wrappers.
In addition Rachel Green’s Young Writers School, held during the summer holidays, proved to be a major success, with 36 hours’ worth of workshops.
The Junior Reading Club had a Hansel and Gretel them for its summer reading scheme.
Mary added: ‘I would like to thank everyone involved in both schemes for all their help and, especially, all the children for reading and taking part in all the activities this summer.
‘We can’t wait to start planning next year’s schemes!’
