Summer Reading Adventure

It's hard to believe it's that time already, but as the summer draws to a close and the schoolbags have sprung into action yet again for another year at the coalface, the Summer Reading Adventure at Mayo County Library has also come to an end.

Remember - the challenge was to read seven books during July and August, and to fill out a review sheet for each book. All participants will receive a certificate and goody bag. Six libraries in Mayo took part in the Reading Adventure - Castlebar, Ballina, Westport, Ballyhaunis, Kiltimagh and Crossmolina.

We have already received some very impressive reviews and some gorgeous pictures from younger readers and we look forward to displaying a sample of some of these in the next few weeks. For those who have almost completed their reviews - one final push should be enough to get you over the line.

Children who have been gathering their reviews over the summer should return them - along with their reading cards - to the library by September 12th, and all participants will be notified as to when the special celebratory evening will be held.

Of course, the end of the Summer Reading Adventure does not mean the end of the library visits - as the days get a little shorter it's just time to take the books back indoors (where they have pretty much been for most of this soggy summer!). The wonderful thing about reading is that it's an activity that is truly suitable for all weathers. In Castlebar Library, there are books to suit all tastes and interests - not to mention music to relax to and movies to indulge in. All of the benefits of library membership are free to children - and the membership fee for adults is minimal.

The general exposure children have to books has been found to be particularly important for children's overall development. Numerous studies have shown strong connections between reading and children's levels of self-confidence, independence, emotional development, empathy, imagination and creativity as well as their social skills and overall well-being. Children who have easy access to books in their homes, schools or from regular visits to a library develop stronger reading skills and more positive attitudes towards learning.