Isle of Man Guide

A BIKE racing star has presented the medals and certificates at the end of the Family Library’s Summer Reading Scheme.

The Department of Education library’s ‘Born to be Wild – Reading Race’ was inspired by the centenary of the TT.

Members aged six and over were challenged to get to five stages around a TT course map, which has been on display in the library, by reading that number of books over the summer.

Each time they made a selection it was recorded on their ‘log books’. They also received badges bearing legends such as ‘Reader of the Pack, ‘Speedy Reader’ and ‘Last Lap’.

TT and MGP star Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle, who launched the race in July, was back at the library in Noble’s Hall, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, on Saturday with his replica Shuttleworth Snap bike to present all the successful participants with medals and certificates.

They included Sam Ashworth, six, of Onchan, whose favourite book of the five he read was ‘The Sports Day’ by William Murray, and Callum Finney, seven, of Douglas, who especially enjoyed ‘Who’s in the Loo?’ by Jeanne Willis.

Librarian Mary Cousins said:

‘Of the 152 children who signed up, an impressive 93 crossed the finish line, a record for our summer challenge.’ She said: ‘Children were especially keen to take part in the Trick or Treat (TT) game that was part of the challenge.’

Mary added:

‘Next summer the library will be organising another unique reading scheme with an even more exciting theme for children to enjoy.’

School Improvement Adviser Margaret Rattigan said:

‘This challenge has obviously been great fun and will have helped to keep children occupied during the school holidays.’

Mrs Rattigan added:

‘It is pleasing that such a good number of young people have joined in. I hope that the enjoyment that reading has given to these avid readers will encourage even more children (and their families) to discover what pleasure there is to be found in a good book. A big thank you to Milky Quayle for lending his support and encouragement to this summer project.’

In conjunction with the Summer Reading Scheme, a drawing competition took place for under sixes, who were asked to create something wild.

More than 150 new members joined the Family Library in July and August. Young people pay £1 a year and must have their application signed by a parent or guardian.

They can 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.

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