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Making reading fun is the focus of Raumati Reads, the summer reading programme for primary-aged schoolchildren being run by Auckland Council libraries over the holidays.
The programme aims to keep kids reading daily by offering stickers and prizes in a bid to stem the “summer slide” – a phenomenon where reading ability drops off so much during the break that it can take children a whole term to get back to their previous reading level.
Council’s head of library and learning services, Catherine Leonard, says it can be challenging for parents and caregivers to maintain young ones’ reading during holidays, but libraries can help with free events, activities and incentives.
“As little as 15 minutes of reading a day can mean the difference between falling behind and being ready for the school year,” she says.
“We focus on making reading fun for children, so they develop a lifelong love for it.”
There is a special summer reading list for children covering themes including te ao Māori, sports, entertainment, exploring and nature, with all titles available in several different formats as well as print, such as graphic vox-books, audio and e-books.
Locally, libraries are running a wide range of holiday activities as part of Raumati Reads, including a photo competition and a community art project.
Mahurangi East Library is challenging young readers to take a snap of themselves or a loved one reading their favourite book this summer for its Books @ the Beach competition. There are prizes for the best photos and entries close on Friday, January 24 – email evangeline.williams@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for details.
The Snells Beach and Wellsford libraries will play host to the Tākaro Play Trailer for several days, which is packed with outdoor games, activities and sports equipment.
At Wellsford, there’s an art project for the community to make a mosaic wall display spelling out the word ‘Raumati’ and a wheel that can be spun to get random challenges, such as a scavenger hunt or inspiration to meet Raumati Reads targets, to win prizes.
Warkworth Library has a wide range of creative activities to keep kids amused over the summer, from creating a clay pot to making cleaning products from everyday materials.
Info and Raumati Reads registration: Pop in to your local library, call 09 377 0209 or visit www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/schoolholidays
WARKWORTH
Monday, January 6 & 20, 10.30am
Storytime Fun stories, songs and rhymes for ages 3-7
Tuesday, January 7, 10.30am
Making Suncatchers Upcycle old CDs and DVDs into shiny suncatchers
Wednesday, January 8, 10.30am
DIY Cleaning Product Make a cleaning product with the Wastewise team. Booking required: Email warkworth.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Thursday, January 9, 16 & 23, 10.30am
LEGO Time Get creative with a mass of LEGO
Monday, January 13, 10.30am
Kōrero Paki Join Whaea Claire for interactive te reo Māori and waiata kori for mokopuna, tamariki and whānau
Tuesday, January 14, 10.30am
Create With Clay Make a clay pinch pot creation to take home
Wednesday, January 15, 10.30am
A Minute To Win It Fun, quick-fire games for 5-13 year olds
Tuesday, January 21, 10.30am
Puffy Paint Learn how to mix paint that puffs. Booking required: Email warkworth.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Wednesday, January 22, 10.30am
Tech Time Drive and code robots through an obstacle course. Booking required: Email warkworth.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
WELLSFORD
Friday, December 20, 10.30am
DIY Decorations Make beaded snowflake decorations
Saturday, December 21, 10am-12 noon
Christmas Crafts Drop-in session for the whole whānau
Tuesday, January 7, 10am-12 noon
Games Galore Play in the library or outside in Wellsford War Memorial Park
Wednesday, January 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2-4pm
Crafternoon Try a range of craft activities that tie in with the Raumati Reads theme
Thursday, January 9, 16, 23 & 30, 10am-4pm
Summer Scramble Challenge Complete all the tasks to unlock the treasure
Friday, January 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2-4.30pm
LEGO Club Get creative with a mass of LEGO
Tuesday, 14, 21 & 28, 10am-12 noon
Tākarao Play Trailer Games galore with a trailer full of outdoor games and play equipment in the park
MAHURANGI EAST
Friday, December 20, 10am-12 noon
Christmas Crafts Have a go at making a Christmas angel and Christmas gift-tag
Saturday, December 21 & 28 and January 4, 11, 18 & 25, 10am-2pm
Get It Down! Show off your writing skills using prompts in the library
Monday, December 23 and January 13, 3.15-4.15pm
Cooking with Maite What’s on the menu? Foodie fun for 8-12 year olds. Booking required: Email evangeline.wiliiams@aaron-pickeringaucklandcouncil-govt-nz
Friday, December 27 and January 3 & 10, 10am-2pm
LEGO & Board Games Drop-in session – get your game on!
Tuesday, December 31 and January 7, 14 & 21, 10am
Fun Arts & Craft Paint it, draw it, cut it, build it – create something cool!
Thursday, January 16 & 23, 10am, and Friday, January 17 & 24, 2-4pm
Tākarao Play Trailer Fun with a trailer full of outdoor games and play equipment. Booking required: Email evangeline.wiliiams@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
