Libraries Team With Aquarium for Summer Reading Programme

Dunedin children will soon be taking the plunge into a holiday full of adventure and discovery, thanks to the launch of the Dunedin Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Programme, starting Saturday 10 December.

The programme is completely free, can be taken anywhere, will fit around any family plans and will keep children quietly entertained for hours.

This year the programme has been produced in collaboration the NZ Marine Studies Centre and Westpac Aquarium at Portobello. Participants will get special treatment when they visit the Aquarium over the summer break, and can also have a fantastic day out participating in the Aquarium’s own ‘Treasure of the Sea’ holiday activities.

To join the challenge, children set their own target number of books to read during the summer and register at any of the Dunedin Public Libraries. They are given a fun-filled booklet to record their progress along with sea-themed activities, including a beach challenge in Te Reo, and incredible facts about the Colossal Squid, Karunui, who is proudly displayed at the Aquarium.

As children reach their reading goal, they can extend their target, and any child who reaches or exceeds their goal at the end of the holidays will receive a gift pack courtesy of Dunedin Public Libraries, University Book Shop, the NZ Marine Studies Centre and Moana Pool.

According to teachers and parents of past participants, children who keep reading over the Summer Holidays, help themselves to maintain, or even improve, their reading level for the new school year.

The ‘Get Hooked on Books’ Summer Reading Programme opens on Saturday 10 December and runs until Sunday 29 January 2012.