What does reading books and wet sponges have in common? More than 180 children in the Parkes Shire discovered that smashing a reading target can result in a lot of fun with a soaking wet sponge and adults in your line of fire. The Summer Reading Club splashed out last week for a big celebration when two library staff members, voted for by participants, became the targets of eager sponge throwers.
The goal of this year’s annual Summer Reading Club, aimed at encouraging children to read over the summer holiday, was to read 974 books collectively by 31st January – 974 was Don Bradman’s 1930 score for the most runs scored in a cricket test series.
“This year’s ‘Game On’ Summer Reading Club was a fantastic success, with a total of 1,563 books read!” said Parkes Shire Librarian, Andrea Lovell. Parkes read 1,078, Peak Hill 261, Trundle 121 and Tullamore 103 books.
Two local sports personalities were ‘game’ to join in the fun last Thursday with Helen Magill (tennis) and Glenn Pepper (cricket) also lining up for a cool down on a hot summer’s day. Their reward was cutting the Summer Reading Club cake to round off the party fittingly.
“Congratulations to all who participated and thank you to the parents, grandparents and carers who encouraged our summer readers and helping them to fill in and return their forms. It was a very special event,” said Andrea.
By Maggi Barnard