On Saturday 25th August 2012, Parramatta City Library celebrated The Reading Hour throughout all its six branches in the morning. This was part of the National Year of Reading and the aim is to promote the benefits of reading. That “sharing a book with your child for 10 minutes a day, an hour a week” encourages lifelong social end educational benefits.
ParramattaCentral Library
At the central Library, Parramatta, the Reading Hour took place from 11am -12noon. Two NYR ambassadors Sarah Davis (illustrator of Fearless by Colin Thompson) and Councillor Andrew Wilson joined library in reading children’s books, poems and adult non-fiction books in a cosy space, with morning tea provided. As the event was broadcast via speakerphone, everyone in the library was able to take part. Parents also took the opportunity to ask Sarah Davis and the librarians what books their children should read and other tips.
The overall feedback was very positive and that it should be a regular event on weekends.
Constitution Hill Branch Library
At the quiet street of Wentworthville, Constitution Hill Branch Library held the Reading Hour from 10am -11am in partnership with a teacher from Kumon Toongabbie. The library liaised with the teacher to promote the Reading Hour amongst her students as well as other customers. Some students read stories to other children and adults in the library. This partnership was extremely successful as 35 children and 25 adults in attendance, with 19 new registrations for the library.
Children were given packs, which contained a short story, pencil, library rego forms and bookmarks. Everyone enjoyed the stories with morning tea.
The school teacher sent a lovely Thank You card in appreciation of the event afterwards.
Dundas Valley Branch Library
Dundas Library organised the Reading Hour with some customers participating in the reading event which included parents, and children. Books read were from the short listed Book Week books of the year.
Granville Branch Library
At Granville the library customers enjoyed reading poems from the poetry tree and happily took them home.
Guildford Branch Library
Guildfordcelebrated The Reading Hour kicked off with a story telling by the Children’s Librarian followed by each kid taking in turn to read a book. There was “The Runaway Hug” by Nick Bland, “The Last Viking” by Norman Jorgensen, and “Rudie Nudie”.
The hour ended with a lucky dip where each child took home a story book and colouring pencils.
A ReadingHour Photo Competition – ‘Who do you read to’ has started from the beginning of August and will close at the 10th of September. The library encourages people send photos reading to kids, to their pets, or even reading over Skype.
Ermington Branch Library
