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Flag lowered on Summer Reading Scheme 7 July 2007 A MANX flag was waved by Milky Quayle to mark the start of the Family Library’s Summer Reading Scheme. The theme of this year’s scheme is ‘Born to be Wild – Reading Race’ and is inspired by the centenary of the TT. The ‘race’ started today (Saturday) when children aged six and over were challenged to get to five stages around a massive TT course map, on display in the library, by reading that number of books.  They called in at the library at Noble’s Hall, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, to collect their race packs, which contain logbooks, pit passes bearing their photos and Reading Racer badges. MGP and TT star Milky – who arrived with his bike and in his matching leathers – launched the race by handing the first ‘race packs’ to Megan Kneale, six, of Douglas, who was the first library member to register for the scheme, and Sam Ashworth, six, of Onchan, the 100th youngster to sign up. They are among 152 young members who are aiming to reach the ‘finish line’ by September 1. Welcoming Milky to the event, head of the Youth and Community Service Mike Clague said: ‘We couldn’t have any better way to start proceedings than this fantastic bike and the fantastic person with it, Milky Quayle, whose exploits around the TT course you will all be familiar with.’ Milky recalled how assistant librarian Kath Garrett had invited him to start the race and he had thought: ‘If it’s a race of any kind, I am in for that! I hope everyone gets good enjoyment out of the reading race this summer.' Milky said that as a boy he hadn’t had much time for reading but revealed he was currently working his way through a biography of the racing great Agostini.  Milky took time out to pose for photos with many young library members. His son Illiam, three, who accompanied him, was meanwhile much more interested in a book on planes! In conjunction with the Summer Reading Scheme, a drawing competition is taking place for under sixes, with prizes issued after the September 3 closing date for the best pictures received. The Family Library has reached its highest membership ever of 1,116. Young people pay £1 a year to join and must have their application signed by a parent or guardian. They may borrow up to six books, three CDs and one DVD at a time from the library’s impressive collection and keep them for up to two weeks. More stories >>>
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