Picture: BROOKE LITTLEWOOD
BOOK lovers discovered a new world and a curiosity for creatures during the school holidays as part of the Millicent Public Library’s Summer Reading Club.
Held annually, the reading club allows children and young people to develop a sense of community with other children across the country through interactive learning.
The theme for the holiday program was Curious Creatures and club participants were encouraged to explore and connect with a range of animals – from Australian marsupials to the exotic, as well as the mythological, microscopic and megafauna.
After two months of reading the program ended on January 31 with a morning at the library filled with activities, fun and food.
Participant Astyn Baker said she had been a club member for around four years and loved reading books.
“I read a lot of different things like the Rainbow Magic Fairy books and books by Aaron Blabey – they are my favourite,” she said.
“I like reading because it gives me something to do and I read most nights of the week.
“I try and beat how many books I read each year in the club and I think I read around 70 books this year.”
Wattle Range Council libraries and cultural services manager Janice Nitschke said the club reinforced the value of reading.
“The summer reading club is a national program and most libraries around Australia participate in it and we have activities, which reinforce the value of reading.
“It is about children relaxing and reading a book and continuing to enjoy reading books.
“It is an opportunity for them to get off devices and to read.
“The club then culminates in a party, which means all of the children who enjoy reading can celebrate together.
“At the library we are thankful for all the kids who read.”
Overall almost 400 books were read by about 70 children from Millicent and surrounding areas.
