Hundreds of children enjoyed a scheme encouraging them to read more, run by Rhondda Cynon Taf Libraries.
Story and craft sessions at the libraries were linked to the summer Space Hop reading challenge. More than 1,000 children took part in 63 library-based sessions, making alien masks, space shuttles and spaceman pictures. Children brought in photos of themselves to create their own personal space collage.
Large cardboard rockets were decorated by pupils invited into the library from local primary schools, and one rocket was kept aside for use at National Play Day at Michael Sobell Sports Centre.
Hundreds of children threw themselves into the task of decorating the rocket, which was taken back to Aberdare Library, where it was enjoyed throughout the holidays by many more youngsters, who used it as a reading hideaway.
Space Hop is organised by The Reading Agency, an independent charity which aims to inspire people to read more. Children were asked to read up to six books over the summer holidays. Each time they borrowed books from the library, they were rewarded with small gifts such as bookmarks and pencils. When they completed the challenge, they received a certificate, medal and a glow in the dark Space Hop wristband.
The names of all children who completed the challenge were placed into a prize draw. Overall winner was Callum Richards, aged seven, a borrower at Maerdy Library, whose prizes included a Space Hopper.
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Cllr Robert Bevan, said: “Thanks to the hard work of library staff, this year’s reading challenge was the most successful ever with 1,387 children taking part, an increase of 14 per cent on last year and the number of children completing the challenge increased by almost a quarter.
“Libraries staff issued an incredible 36,684 books throughout the summer as part of the reading challenge. Well done to all the young readers who took part!”
Membership of all Rhondda Cynon Taf’s libraries is free and everyone living or working within the county borough is welcome to join. Find out more by visiting www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/libraries
