Clare Libraries has announced the launch of the Summer Stars Reading Programme 2024.
Summer Stars runs until the 31st of August and is a whole programme of reading and activities designed for primary school-aged children to keep them busy during the summer holidays.
Summer Stars is non-competitive and every child who reads even one book or e-book is regarded as having completed the programme, and it’s all completely free! The aim of the programme is to keep children reading over the summer; especially children who are newly independent readers, or early emergent readers, to help them increase their reading skills.
As well as reading lots of free books, children can also take part in free activities throughout the libraries in Clare. There are workshops in creative writing, yoga, biodiversity, heritage, dog care, sewing, art, illustration and chess, as well as regular book clubs and story times. In addition to these events, children can also enter a competition to design a library card for Clare. The winning entry will be used in the design of our new library card.
Speaking at the launch of the reading programme, Clare County Librarian Helen Walsh said, “The Summer Reading Programme is one of our most popular programmes each year. It is the perfect opportunity to encourage children to enjoy reading for pleasure and use their local library.”
Children’s Services Librarian Niamh O’Donovan added, “I would encourage all parents to sign their child up to Summer Stars at their nearest library. Research shows that children who read over the summer months maintain or improve their reading levels and are better prepared for the new school year when they return in September.”
Children can sign up for Summer Stars at any of one of the 15 library branches in Clare. They will get their own Summer Stars activity booklet and other rewards to encourage continued reading during the summer holidays. Library members can now borrow and return books to any public library in the country so children can keep reading even while on holidays.
For more information about Summer Stars events in Clare Libraries visit the library events page at www.clarelibraries.ie