Book worms reap rewards from reading contest

(CNS): Ten -year-old Thomas Sevick, a student from Cayman Brac read for almost 5500 minutes this summer in the library service’s Summer Reading Challenge. Thomas took the top prize in the contest way ahead of his next rival, nine-year-old Sahara O’Connor, from Grand Cayman who came second with a total of 3,761 minutes. Both kids won bicycles and helmets courtesy of sponsors Cox Lumber and the Library Service but dozens of other youngsters who took part also won prize for participation, including iPads, iPods, games, toys, activity packets and more. Overall 74 students took part in the literacy initiative during the school break.

The annual summer challenge is designed to encourage children between the ages of six and 17 to read age-appropriate books, for a minimum number of days and minutes during the summer. It aims to combat any regression in young people’s abilities during the long summer break,

Director of the Public Library Service Ramona Melody said she was delighted with the success of this year’s challenge which was supported by parents, friends and organizations. “I am confident that the programme will continue to grow, and to help our children become strong readers,” she said. “Reading skills are important to success in school and work. Furthermore the results of the Summer Reading Challenge confirm that reading can be a fun and imaginative activity for children, which opens doors to all kinds of new worlds for them.”

At the end of the summer, the Library sends a letter to school principals advising them of students who completed the challenge.