Young book lovers step up to reading challenge

YOUR mission if you choose to accept it: Read at least six books in the space of two months this summer.

That was the challenge given the young of Listowel in July as part of Listowel Library’s Summer Stars Reading Challenge.

Boy did they step up to the mark in response, with over 100 children signing up to the fictional and factual fun in July and August.

And all were present in the Library again on Saturday morning where they received special certificates for completing the challenge.

“We had a brilliant morning presenting the certificates,” Library manager Barthy Flynn said.

“About 1,000 children took part in the challenge across the county with 100 in Listowel alone and they really engaged with it. It’s an annual event organised to encourage reading over the summer and to take advantage of the free services of the Library.”

Even parents engaged, many of them leaving the Library with books for grown-ups.

Now part of the national library network, it’s possible to take out 12 books at a time for three-week periods at Kerry’s book-lending institutions.

“Reading really benefits the children hugely as I am often told by teachers that they can identify pupils who regularly visit the library as their vocabulary and command of the language is so good,” Barthy said. Next up in Listowel is Children’s Story Time on Saturday, October 8 at 2.30pm.

Photos by Domnick Walsh Emma Neylon, Ellie Mai Neylon and Rachel Neylon from Listowel out front with Duagh girls Aoibhinn, Caoilinn and Caiomhe Harte in Listowel Library on Saturday.

Isabelle and Paddy Larkin from Rathea.