Congratulations to the 155 legendary readers from across the district who took part in the 2021/2022 Taupō District Libraries Zeus’ Summer Reading Challenge.
The Summer Reading Challenge is a library initiative to maintain children’s reading levels over the long summer break, foster a love of books and libraries, and engage families and caregivers with their child’s reading at home.
Kids were challenged to “Be a Legend” over the holiday break by reading library books or eBooks of their choice and checking in with a librarian at least four times. For the first time in the 20-year history of the summer reading programme at Taupō District Libraries, COVID meant all check-ins were completed online via email. Children were also given booklets with a list of pursuits and activities which they could complete to gain extra entries into a prize draw.
Reading in a countryside hut while on holiday and making a special miniature reading room box diorama for the occasion were just two of the amazing stories that children participating in the programme shared with staff. The reporting in by the children was a highlight for staff with the reviews ranging from super succinct summaries to multi-page extravaganzas. Feedback has been positive with parents pleased to have seen a routine established around daily reading and increase in the enthusiasm for books.
Many of the Turangi Library participants went above and beyond, with some completing up to three additional check ins once they had already completed the programme! Every single one of the books read by our team of champions got rave reviews.
Although all the readers are winners in their own right, there were six lucky participants at Turangi Library and at Taupō Library who took home the grand prizes this year along with plenty of spot prize winners who have been notified.
Turangi Library Prize Winners
- Angela Schur - $100 Paper Plus Taupō voucher
- Kahureremoa Donaldson - $100 Dropzone voucher
- Asia Frew - $100 Little Trooper voucher
Taupō Library Prize Winners
- Ella Newth - $100 Paper Plus Taupō voucher
- Mia Archer - $100 Dropzone voucher
- Laurenz Pandel - $100 Little Trooper voucher
We are very grateful to our sponsors, Little Trooper, Paper Plus Taupō, and The Dropzone, for their kind contribution supporting this district programme as well as to Genesis Tokaanu and the Friends of the Turangi Library for their generous support of this and other programmes at Turangi Library.
Pictured below are the prize winners from Taupō Library (top photo) and Turangi Library.
