The sky's the limit with the Provincial Public Library Service's Summer Reading Challenge!
Harry Holman, Director of Libraries and Archives, Department of Education, has agreed to stay on the roof of the Confederation Centre Public Library for a whole day if children from across Prince Edward Island read 9,700 books this summer.
"The purpose of the Summer Reading Challenge is to encourage Island children to read on a regular basis over the summer," says Mr. Holman. "Studies show that children benefit from reading on a regular basis - even if it's only for 15 minutes a day."
All provincial library branches across P.E.I. are involved with the reading challenge. Children simply register at their local library, receive a reading log, set a reading goal, read books of their choice and record the title of books read in their log. The books read do not have to be library books; however, magazines and comics do not count.
"This program is open to all ages," says Mr. Holman. "Children not yet reading or just starting to read may be read to. And parents are encouraged to enter into the challenge with their children." The theme of this summer's reading challenge, "Reader's are Winners! - Lire c'est champion!", is based around sports. When a child reaches their reading goal they will receive a special sticker and, at the end of the summer, a certificate signed by Doug MacLean, coach of the Florida Panthers.
Even if a child does not reach their goal, they are encouraged to turn in their reading logs so that their titles can go towards putting Mr. Holman on the roof.
"The Summer Reading Challenge has received positive reaction so far," says Mr. Holman. "I have a feeling I will be on the roof sooner than I expected."
For more information, contact Barb Kissick, Children's Librarian, Confederation Centre Public Library, Department of Education -- (902) 368-4648.