The Henry Bloom Noble Library, in partnership with Clerical Medical International, is aiming to get children hooked on books this summer with the launch of Quest Seekers, the 2009 Summer Reading Challenge.
More than 60 children signed up for the challenge on the first day of registration, Saturday 18th July, at the Quest Seekers desk in the library manned by volunteers from Clerical Medical.
Once registered children receive a ‘moving image’ membership card, stickers, collectible incentives and a special poster to keep track of their quest.
Quest Seekers is made up of three tasks: Firebird Rising, Mountain Mission and Dragon’s Lair. Each task involves reading two books, with children who complete all three tasks receiving a medal, certificate and gift.
Adding to the atmosphere in the library will be a dragon, created and being built by Sue Bagnall from One of a Kind Creative Solutions together with volunteers from Clerical Medical and young people from the Youth Service’s holiday venture scheme.
Borough librarian Jan Macartney said ‘The Summer Reading Challenge is always great fun, not only for the children, but also for us in the library and the volunteers from Clerical Medical who support the programme.
'The challenge isn’t just about reading skills, though; it gives children a real sense of achievement and can help boost their confidence.’
Clerical Medical’s personal portfolio and investments manager Juan Clarke said: ‘The Summer Reading Challenge’s potent mix of entertainment and educational content appeals to the children and has really enthused colleagues at Clerical Medical to volunteer to assist with the workshops.
'We’re pleased to be working with Jan and her team once again to make Quest Seekers a highlight of the school summer holiday.’
Sue Bagnall will be running six workshops throughout the summer holidays in the library, every Tuesday between 10am – 12noon. Among the activities will be making a dragon’s lair, another for making dragon claws, ‘gigantic antics’ and a dragon drama.
Workshops are free but as space is limited tickets must be obtained in advance from the ground floor counter of the library.
Children can sign up for Quest Seekers at the ground floor counter of the library (on Victoria Street, Douglas) until Saturday 8th August.
Pictured: Clerical Medical's Paul Young and Julie Brain with Hannah Lawrie, six (foreground), Zach Parker, seven and Emma and Katie Sayle, 11 and eight respectively
