Children – Libraries Wales https://libraries.wales Tue, 08 Mar 2016 13:29:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.2 Scorch is hiding in your local library! https://libraries.wales/2016/02/02/scorch-is-hiding-in-your-local-library/ Tue, 02 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2364/?p=2364 A competition for children aged 12 and under will be taking place in libraries across Wales with some fantastic WRU prizes up for grabs! The competition aims to encourage children to discover what they can find in their local library and will take place in libraries across Wales between the 7th February and the 19th […]

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A competition for children aged 12 and under will be taking place in libraries across Wales with some fantastic WRU prizes up for grabs!

The competition aims to encourage children to discover what they can find in their local library and will take place in libraries across Wales between the 7th February and the 19th March 2016 to coincide with the RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Children will have to discover where Scorch, the WRU mascot, is hiding in their local library and fill in a short form to enter the competition. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs including Wales Rugby Union shirts, WRU wallets, pin badges and activity packs.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates said: This is a creative idea offering young people across Wales the chance to embrace this years Six Nations tournament while also making the most of their local library facilities. 2016 marks the Year of Adventure in Wales so I would definitely encourage everyone to get involved with this adventure competition. While searching for Scorch why not also use this opportunity to discover your next favourite book or author.

To find out more about the competition and to view the terms and conditions please visit: www.libraries.wales

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Kids Take Over the Library and Family Information Services https://libraries.wales/2016/01/28/kids-take-over-the-library-and-family-information-services/ Thu, 28 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2363/?p=2363 Ever wanted to see what it would be like to work in your local library or family information service? Heres your chance. Museums, galleries, arts organisations , archives and heritage sites across the UK are gearing up to invite children and young people to take over for the day  so how can Wrexham children […]

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Ever wanted to see what it would be like to work in your local library or family information service? Heres your chance. Museums, galleries, arts organisations , archives and heritage sites across the UK are gearing up to invite children and young people to take over for the day  so how can Wrexham children get involved.

Wrexham Library and Wrexham Family Information Service would like children from year 6, 7 and or 8 (aged 10, 11 & or 12) to apply by letter for the following positions: Caretaker, Reference Librarian, Library Assistant x 2, Early Years Librarian, Businessline Librarian, Information Assistant.

Please state in your letter which position you are interested in and why. Please send your letter to Mrs Shan Cooper at Wrexham Library, Rhosddu Road, Wrexham. LL11 1AU. The closing date to submit your letter is 1 February 2016.

For further information please contact Wrexham Library on 01978 292090 or e-mail library@wrexham.gov.uk

If you are interested in the Information Assistant position, please send your letter to Alma Belles at Family Information Service, Wrexham Library, Rhosddu Road, Wrexham. LL11 1AU. For further information about the Information Assistant please telephone 01978 292094 or fis@wrexham.gov.uk

 

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How would you like to save £1000 this year? https://libraries.wales/2016/01/18/how-would-you-like-to-save-1000-this-year-2/ Mon, 18 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2362/?p=2362 Joining your library and accessing the amazing free services they have on offer could save you hundreds of pounds a year! Over 83,000 e-books were downloaded for free from Welsh Libraries last year.  There were over 155,000 downloads of e-zines in 2015 saving the people of Wales approximately £310,000. The people below are all regular […]

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Joining your library and accessing the amazing free services they have on offer could save you hundreds of pounds a year!

Over 83,000 e-books were downloaded for free from Welsh Libraries last year.  There were over 155,000 downloads of e-zines in 2015 saving the people of Wales approximately £310,000.

The people below are all regular library users from across South Wales and are keen to share their stories and encourage more people to join the library:

Mary Neck  Aberdare Library

Mary Neck, aged 67, lives in Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf. She has been a member of the library service for many years, nearly all her life in fact. In 2014 alone she borrowed 61 books – saving £970  goodness knows how much she has saved over the years!

As I am a pensioner I could not afford to buy these books through the year. Therefore I appreciate the library and the staff who are very friendly and helpful and it also gives me a chance to meet other people.

Mary has even learnt how to use computers at her local branch and now regularly sends email, shops online, and Skypes her grand-daughter in Kent. All thanks to the support and help of her local library.

I really enjoyed learning how to use the computer and becoming a silver surfer!  It also means I am now able to chat to my grand-daughter over the internet, its marvellous stuff!

 

George Beale  Abergavenny Library

George Beale from Abergavenny uses his library almost every day for a variety of things, especially:

  • Reading local and national newspapers and magazines
  • Research using the internet and reference library
  • Sending and receiving e-mails
  • Book borrowing
  • Social Inclusion
  • George estimates that the national newspapers alone would cost around £780 per annum and the additional local papers bring this up to over £900

He also uses the internet for family history research and other research to use this at home would probably incur a capital cost of at least £250 plus a £10 per month broadband subscription and the annual costs of two ancestry type websites which is about £200 per year.

George is also keen to point out the additional benefits of being in a warm, welcoming environment and meeting lots of different people which are incalculable.

 

Graham Anderson

I have been visiting Rhydypennau library for around 6 years with our daughter, Gigi who is now 11 years old. Our trips to the library started with me reading her stories, borrowing numerous books on a weekly basis, listening to story time and generally having a great time. As she grew and started to read, even more books were taken home. I cannot imagine the cost if I would have had to buy these books and it would never have been much fun without going to the library.

Gigi’s brother, Steen, has been a library member ever since he was able. Just like Gigi, we read at the library, took volumes of books home, Julia Donaldson,  picture books, Thomas The Tank, early reading etc. Joined the reading club with Clare and read with the PCSO Joe, this would never have happened without the library. The Summer Challenge, wow reading books AND get stickers!! What a bonus!

I have saved many hundreds of pounds by using the facilities of the library, buying many withdrawn books for private use and to take to the school library. But the friends made at the library and the fun we have had and are still having is priceless! 

The librarian has worked out that Grahams total savings for events, books and loans in 2014 was probably around £500.

 

Jeff Parsons

Jeff is a 52 year old maintenance craftsman from Cardiff.

I can only roughly guess as to how much I’ve saved over the years, it’s easily hundreds of pounds quite likely thousands (over my whole membership period) more than that it’s just the scope and diversity that I have access to that has been such a constant.

I have a passion for music and like to travel, I’m married and have no children I live 10mins from the library so it’s ideal for me. I realised a long time ago I’ve learnt more from the library than I did at school!

I honestly think the person selecting the music must read the same magazines as me and has a real passion for it too…it’s been like a domino effect really, listening to artists that I might not ordinarily have thought about. I attempt to play guitar and piano, again I’ve borrowed tutorial DVD’s to help my understanding of chord structure, inversions etc….

I borrow from the library virtually every week unless we are on holiday! The service provided and the staff are second to none……..I do appreciate it.

Jeffs local library has worked out that his average saving based on the 149 items (films, books, music) that he borrowed in 2014 is in the region of £1170

Jeff commented: Well I’m amazed at the amount I’ve saved, I knew it would be good but to think of that amount in one year! I can’t begin to imagine how much I’ve saved during my entire membership.

 

 

Rick Eaglestone

Rick Eaglestone 37, lives in Fairwater and has been a member of the library service since the age of five. I read over 60 books a year and the library service has saved me a fortune as most of the books I get from the library are new release titles. I also use the library because I find the staff have wonderful local knowledge and I am also a member of the library book club.

If Rick had bought all 60 new release titles that he read last year  this would have cost him at least £1000.

 

Miranda Millett

Miranda is aged 30 and is a midwife  she lives in Cyncoed with her family.

My partner and I both work at the University Hospital of Wales and so my mum often cares for our young child whilst we are at work.   My mum and I frequently take my daughter to Rhydypennau Library.   The setting is lovely for children of all ages and is perfect for under-fives who are just finding their feet in the outside world.  There is a huge range of books (with or without CDs), drawing materials, comfy furnishings and of course many other parent-carers and children just browsing or attending the special story sessions.

My young daughter has greatly benefitted from the friendly & calm atmosphere and avidly collects her stickers and certificates to show her involvement.  This Children’s Library provides a perfect start to the world of education for my young child and is a very valuable resource for families and the local community. “

Miranda and her family have saved hundreds of pounds by borrowing books and other resources, taking part in rhyme times and craft activities but as she says it’s not just about how much you save, it’s also about how much you gain.

 

In addition, libraries are free to join  so no upfront costs either!  To find out more please call in to your local library or visit www.welshlibraries.org

 

Roha Rafiei

Roha is only six years old and loves her library so much that she was driven to write to her local council (see image) in a bid to save it from closure.

During 2014, Roha borrowed 231 books, assuming that the retail price for these books averages out at £5.00 per book, then she has saved over £1100.00!

 

 

 

 

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Libraries & schools across Wales join forces to get kids reading https://libraries.wales/2016/01/04/libraries-schools-across-wales-join-forces-to-get-kids-reading/ Mon, 04 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2359/?p=2359 A scheme which sees libraries join forces with their local primary school to make every child a library member is today rolled out to every local authority in Wales. The Every Child A Library Member initiative aims to improve the reading literacy and communication skills of children across Wales by introducing them to the wealth […]

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A scheme which sees libraries join forces with their local primary school to make every child a library member is today rolled out to every local authority in Wales.

The Every Child A Library Member initiative aims to improve the reading literacy and communication skills of children across Wales by introducing them to the wealth of material available at the local library  from a range of books, comics, audio-books, computers and magazines – and encourage reading for pleasure.

Initially introduced in six local authorities in March 2014, the scheme provides children aged 8-9 with a free library card and is today rolled out to across Wales.

Research shows that reading for pleasure is critical to later success. Early studies into the effects of the initiative so far found that 94 per cent of children like reading more now that they are using the library, while all the parents surveyed felt their child had benefited from using the library.

To celebrate the landmark all-Wales roll out of the initiative pupils from Hendre Junior School will today [3 December] be joined by authors Mike Church and Mark Brake at a special event in Caerphilly Library.

Welcoming the announcement, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates said:

 

The link up between schools and libraries is a great way to introduce children to libraries and allow them to discover the wealth of material on offer, particularly for those who may not otherwise have had the opportunity.

Libraries have all the equipment a child needs to develop their reading, communication and digital skills in a fun and encouraging environment. Here they can make their own choices, discover their own preferences  whether this is a particular genre or author – and importantly be inspired to enjoy reading.

Research conducted by the National Literacy Trust for Save the Children found that when children, particularly the poorest, fall behind in reading by age 11 the impact can last for the rest of their lives, affecting health and employment benefits.

Further studies have found that children who read from a young age are more likely to succeed in their education and career compared to those who rarely read.

Since the Every Child A Library Member scheme began over 625 schools have signed up, with at least 235 of these in Communities First areas. Over 12,700 children were issued with a new library card in 2014-15, resulting in 28,938 books being issued to children with the new cards over just a three month period. With all 22 local authorities now in the scheme over 33,500 pupils in year 4 will be targeted in 2015-16.

The Deputy Minister added:

 

I am delighted the scheme has been so well-received and that we are reaching out to children in some of Wales most deprived areas. Our Fusion: Tackling Poverty through Culture programme aims to get more people in these areas engaging with culture as a way to boost skills, confidence and aspiration. Libraries are supporting this aim, and I am pleased that so far 50 libraries in Communities First areas are taking part by linking with their local school.

 

Through the scheme children are automatically registered with their own library card, without needing a parent or guardians signature of approval. The scheme supports the Welsh Governments Education Begins at Home and Make Time to Read campaigns. .

 

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Young reading volunteers presented with certificates https://libraries.wales/2015/11/05/young-reading-volunteers-presented-with-certificates/ Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2356/?p=2356 A group of young volunteers who helped encourage children take part in this years summer reading challenge have been rewarded for their efforts. 27 high school pupils from across Powys become Reading Activists and helped children aged four to 12 to choose books, listen to them read and even reading to the children who took […]

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A group of young volunteers who helped encourage children take part in this years summer reading challenge have been rewarded for their efforts.

27 high school pupils from across Powys become Reading Activists and helped children aged four to 12 to choose books, listen to them read and even reading to the children who took part in Record Breakers – the 2015 Summer Reading Challenge.

The volunteers collectively worked a total of 139 hours across seven libraries and actively promoted this years reading challenge over the summer and also organised the award ceremony for the children that completed the challenge. They are now receiving certificates from the councils Library Service for their efforts.

This year, libraries in the county had a record number of children take up the summer reading challenge.  The Library Service also broke its own record for children completing this years challenge compared with last year.

Cllr Graham Brown, Cabinet Member for Library Services, said: Most young people at high school in Powys have enjoyed the Summer Reading Challenge in the past as primary school pupils but as reading activists, they were excellent and enthusiastic reading role models for young readers this summer and made a contribution to improving literacy levels in their communities.

I would like to thank all those who volunteered this summer and helped make it a successful and rewarding initiative. Our Library Service wishes to continue this in the future as it offers valuable experience in promoting reading to children throughout the year.

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National Rugby Stories competition winners announced at new rugby display https://libraries.wales/2015/09/18/national-rugby-stories-competition-winners-announced-at-new-rugby-display/ Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2352/?p=2352 With only days to go until the biggest rugby competition in the world begins, rugby fans visiting Cardiff this autumn will be able to enjoy a special display at National Museum Cardiff as part of the celebrations surrounding the Rugby World Cup. First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones officially launched the Kick-offs and Keep-sakes display […]

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With only days to go until the biggest rugby competition in the world begins, rugby fans visiting Cardiff this autumn will be able to enjoy a special display at National Museum Cardiff as part of the celebrations surrounding the Rugby World Cup.
First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones officially launched the Kick-offs and Keep-sakes display at National Museum Cardiff today (16 September 2015) and announced the winners of the national Rugby Stories writing competition for young people.
The display in the Museums main hall, on show until Sunday 15 November, looks at the story of rugby through Welsh eyes and features memorabilia from the Welsh Rugby Unions archives and stories and images relating to the Rugby World Cup competition. Hosted in partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), Welsh Government and Peoples Collection Wales, Kick offs and Keepsakes promises to be an interesting insight into the unique history of the tournament.
The exhibition features a range of fascinating artefacts, memorabilia and historically significant items which relate to the Rugby World Cup from the WRUs archives. It includes items from rugby balls and framed signed shirts from every tournament, to a section of the Cardiff Arms Park stadium seating and diverse gifts presented by visiting nations to Wales. These objects are displayed next to a map navigating visitors across the globe to nations that participate in the Rugby World Cup and include such objects as a hand-carved whales tooth from Tonga, a unique totem pole from Canada and a cockerel from France.
A digital rugby exhibition has also been created by Peoples Collection Wales (PCW). It is hosted on its website www.peoplescollection.wales and on display via an interactive kiosk as part of the Kick Offs and Keepsakes display. There will also be a PCW Digital Heritage Station located at the Museum as part of the events programme which encourages the local community to bring in their rugby memorabilia items for scanning and leaving their own legacy. PCW has already been working with the WRU and Newport Rugby Club digitising items and providing digital training.
Also displayed at the Museum are stories by winners and runners-up of this years Rugby Stories competition, a national bilingual competition for young people, based on the theme of rugby and linked to a piece of creative writing or digital storytelling. Winners include:
Poetry Winner Rowan Lewis Swansea
2nd place Deio Jones Conwy (Welsh language entry)
3rd place Ianto Roberts Wrexham

Short Story Winner Morgan Parker Rhondda Cynon Taff
2nd place Scarlett Carpenter Rhondda Cynon Taff
3rd place Sophie Featherstone Vale of Glamorgan

Digital Story Winner Joe Orrells Rhondda Cynon Taff
2nd place Caitlin Dop Wrexham
3rd place Shay Fisher Rhondda Cynon Taff
To view the winning entries please visit www.rugbystories.wales
Libraries, archives and museums joined forces with the WRU to host the competition for young people to celebrate the Rugby World Cup.
Over 500 entries were submitted, based on the theme of rugby and linked to a piece of creative writing or digital storytelling. Over 20 events were held in libraries, museums and archives and many children had the opportunity to work with authors, poets and rap artists as well as the chance to meet some local and regional rugby players.
Young people aged between 7-16 years old let their imaginations run wild and entered a poem, short story or film. The entries were judged by a specially selected panel of judges comprising rugby personalities, authors, librarians and media experts.
Attending todays event were some of the judges – author, Dan Anthony and Bardd Plant Cymru, Anni Ll?n. Dan commented:
Thank you to all the children and judges that have been involved in the competition; it has been a great opportunity for children to share what rugby means to them as well as developing their literacy and digital skills. It was great fun to read and watch the entries and a really difficult job to pick the winners and runners up  well done to everyone who entered.
First Minister Carwyn Jones, said:
This excellent display only adds to the excitement heading into the Rugby World Cup and highlights the prominent role Wales has played in developing what is now a truly global sport. Its also great to see the success of the Rugby Stories competition – weve got some wonderful young creative minds in Wales and its fantastic to see them given a platform to showcase their talents.
Our proud rugby history, coupled with the thousands of rugby tourists set to visit Cardiff this autumn, mean that this exhibition is sure to be very popular. Our ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to culture and heritage means that this display, as well as entry to all Amgueddfa Cymru  National Museum Wales sites, remains free for all to enjoy and I thoroughly recommend a visit.
Gareth Davies, WRU Group Chairman, added:
This is a fascinating time for rugby fans throughout the globe and we are privileged to once again be in a position where the eyes of the world will be descending on Cardiff.
Fans will turn up in their droves, not just for the eight matches hosted at the Millennium Stadium, but to soak up the atmosphere and the rich rugby history of our capital City.
National Museum Wales have done a tremendous job with this exhibit and we have been only too pleased to raid the WRU archives to supply the treasured and historic items on display.
This exhibit will surely be a must see part of the Rugby World Cup experience for any visiting fan and we are more than proud to have had a hand in its creation.
Director General of Amgueddfa Cymru  National Museum Wales, David Anderson concluded:
We are proud to host this display at National Museum Cardiff to coincide with the Rugby World Cup. If you have played rugby, it is forever part of your life, and how you experience the World. Rugby never leaves you.
Its fantastic to be part of the celebrations, you can already feel the excitement in Cardiff and I hope rugby fans visiting the city take the chance to enjoy this display which traces the unique history of the competition.
Amgueddfa Cymru  National Museum Wales supports an innovative new Welsh Government policy initiative, Fusion: Tackling Poverty through Culture which links cultural bodies more closely together with the Communities First programme to inspire young people and adults. Fusion: Tackling Poverty through Culture is currently being trialled in six Pioneer Areas across Wales. For more information visit http://gov.wales/topics/cultureandsport/tackling-poverty-through-culture/?lang=en
National Museum Cardiffs exhibition and activity programme has been supported by players of the Peoples Postcode Lottery.
Entry to National Museum Cardiff is free, thanks to the support of the Welsh Government.
Amgueddfa Cymru  National Museum Wales operates seven museums across Wales National Museum Cardiff, St Fagans: National History Museum, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon, Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, National Wool Museum, Dre-fach Felindre, National Slate Museum, Llanberis and the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

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Looking for something FREE for the children to do this summer? https://libraries.wales/2015/08/11/looking-for-something-free-for-the-children-to-do-this-summer/ Tue, 11 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2348/?p=2348 Libraries are running the amazing Summer Reading Challenge  over 23,000 children in Wales have already signed up! Just drop in to your nearest library, borrow some books and collect stickers, rewards and if you go 3 times and read at least six books your child will receive a certificate and a medal. Organised by […]

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Libraries are running the amazing Summer Reading Challenge  over 23,000 children in Wales have already signed up! Just drop in to your nearest library, borrow some books and collect stickers, rewards and if you go 3 times and read at least six books your child will receive a certificate and a medal.

Organised by The Reading Agency and the public library network, the annual Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at 4- 11 year olds – this year the Summer Reading Challenge has teamed up with Guinness World Records – the global authority in record-breaking achievements and publisher of the annual Guinness World Records book  to establish a Record Breakers themed challenge.

Collecting stickers as they go, young readers will discover the weird, wonderful and wacky records from around the world in six different categories: Cool Tech, Way to Go!, The Big Stuff, Animal Magic, People Power and Action! Adventure!

Going on holiday? Just take the books with you or download some of the free e-books from you library onto your e-reader or mobile device. On days you cant get to the library, there is still the Record Breakers website, with so much for children to discover and they can keep a record of their Challenge too. Children can also recommend books and decide what to read next using the Book Sorter.

Taking part is FREE and the Summer Reading Challenge is just one of many exciting schemes public libraries offer to help children develop a love of reading, gain confidence and get new skills. Libraries across Wales are putting on lots of exciting events and activities during the summer holidays to keep children occupied and parents stress free!

Call in to your local library or visit welshlibraries.org to find out more.

For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge go to www.readingagency.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge
www.facebook.com/SummerReadingChallengeUK
www.recordbreakers.org.uk
Download the Record Breakers Summer Reading Challenge App from sol.us/records

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Summer Craft in Coedpoeth Library! https://libraries.wales/2015/08/04/summer-craft-in-coedpoeth-library/ Tue, 04 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2347/?p=2347 A fun packed afternoon of seaside themed craft was held at Coedpoeth Library on Tuesday 4th August. Lots of local children came along and got stuck in!

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A fun packed afternoon of seaside themed craft was held at Coedpoeth Library on Tuesday 4th August. Lots of local children came along and got stuck in!

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Over 500 entries received in Rugby Stories competition https://libraries.wales/2015/07/22/over-500-entries-received-in-rugby-stories-competition/ Wed, 22 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2346/?p=2346 Libraries, archives and museums have joined forces with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to hold a competition for young people to celebrate rugby in Wales as part of the forthcoming Rugby World Cup celebrations. The competition closed on Monday with over 500 entries received from children and young people aged between 7 and 16 years […]

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Libraries, archives and museums have joined forces with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to hold a competition for young people to celebrate rugby in Wales as part of the forthcoming Rugby World Cup celebrations.
The competition closed on Monday with over 500 entries received from children and young people aged between 7 and 16 years old from across Wales  entries include poetry, short stories and films and cover an amazing range of subjects from bossy referees, witches, zombies, dragons, injuries, the Groggs to rugby players made from chocolate, jelly and sweets!!
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates commented:
This fantastic competition encouraged young people to record their experiences of rugby in Wales, whether they are playing, watching or hearing their friends and families talk about it  we have created a collection of stories that showcase rugby in Wales from the grass roots level right up to national team performances.
This competition has given young people an opportunity to develop their literacy and digital skills in an engaging and fun way. Story telling is a great way for children to let their imagination grow and learn more about themselves and the world around them and I look forward to seeing the entries.
The next stage of the competition is to come up with a shortlist – 30 judges from libraries, archives, museums, academic institutions and the rugby world are giving up their time to each judge a batch of the entries.
The finalists will then be chosen by a specially selected panel of judges comprising rugby personalities, authors, librarians and media experts and finalists will be announced early in September. The judging panel to date includes:
Phil Grant Author/ RWC Working Group
Sir Gareth Edwards Former player/President of Cardiff Institute for the Blind
Ken Skates AM Deputy Minister  Culture, Sport & Tourism
Dan Anthony Author of Rugby Zombies Series
Dr Rhys Jones TV Presenter/Rugby Fan
Aneirin Karadog Bardd Plant Cymru 2013-15
Martin Daws Young People’s Laureate
Anni Llyn Bardd Plant Cymru 2015-17
Gareth Davies Chairman-WRU
Stephen Hanks Creative Director – Tantrwm
Ed Holden Mr Phormula (Rap Artist/Beat Box Specialist)

WRU Chairman Gareth Davies said:
Im very much looking forward to reading the entries for this exciting competition. We know that rugby plays a special role in the national psyche in Wales and this competition will hopefully both tap into its popularity amongst the school children and help us reach out to those who are yet to get the bug.
The competition finalists will have their stories displayed at a new Kick-offs and Keep-sakes exhibition in the National Museum Cardiff from 8th September and they will also be invited to attend the launch of the exhibition on 16th September 2015 to pick up their prizes.
Janice Lane, Director of Learning, Exhibitions and Digital Media at Amgueddfa Cymru  National Museum Wales said:
This is a great way for young people to share their passion for the game. Rugby and literature are both important parts of Welsh tradition and culture.
We are delighted to be hosting this exhibition which will combine the two ahead of such a prestigious competition.
For more information about the competition please visit: www.rugbystories.wales and join in the conversation on #rugbystories
The competition and the events that took place during June/July support an innovative new Welsh Government policy initiative, Fusion: Tackling Poverty through Culture which links cultural bodies more closely together with the Communities First programme to inspire young people and adults. Fusion: Tackling Poverty through Culture is currently being trialled in six Pioneer Areas across Wales. For more information visit http://gov.wales/topics/cultureandsport/tackling-poverty-through-culture/?lang=en

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Can you and your children help break a record this Summer? https://libraries.wales/2015/07/10/can-you-and-your-children-help-break-a-record-this-summer/ Fri, 10 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0000 https://libraries.wales/?p=2345/?p=2345 Libraries across Wales are getting ready to encourage young readers to explore some of the astonishing real-life achievements and world records featured in the Guinness World Records Books as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge. Launching the challenge at Cefn Mawr Library in Wrexham today, Ken Skates, AM, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport & […]

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Libraries across Wales are getting ready to encourage young readers to explore some of the astonishing real-life achievements and world records featured in the Guinness World Records Books as part of this years Summer Reading Challenge.

Launching the challenge at Cefn Mawr Library in Wrexham today, Ken Skates, AM, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport & Tourism commented: Reading for pleasure is important to help children develop literacy and wider skills and we should encourage children to read in all forms  from factual books like the Guinness World Records through to fantasy filled fiction, magazines, comics or the classics. Im delighted to be here today to launch the Summer Reading Challenge in Wales and to pledge my support to the challenge  and especially pleased that the children are attempting to set a new record by reading one of my favourite authors  Roald Dahl!

Over one hundred children from four local primary schools are attempting to set a Welsh record for the largest number of children reading the same passage aloud from the same book at the same time. They will be reading from The Twits by Roald Dahl.

Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships from Wrexham Council said: Its a pleasure to see so many children reading together in our community library. Reading is an important life skill and access to the free resources available in libraries is a key driver in addressing the future skills and employability of our children and offers a safe place for them to learn and experience new things.

Organised by The Reading Agency charity and the public library network, the challenge is supported in Wales by the Museums, Archives and Libraries Division of Welsh Government and by the Welsh Books Council. Now in its 17th year, the annual Summer Reading Challenge, aimed at 4- 11 year olds and their families is simple, fun and FREE to do. Children are encouraged to read six or more library books of their choice during the summer holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate, or medal for every child who completes the challenge.

As part of this years challenge, children, parents, carers, young volunteers, teachers, much-loved childrens authors and others will be asked to make a pledge to help set a new Guinness World Records title for the Most Pledges Received for a Reading Campaign! Public libraries are collecting pledges across the UK between Friday 10 and Monday 13 July check with your local library to find out when you can submit your pledge – a minimum of 100,000 pledges are needed to set the record!

Taking part is FREE and the Summer Reading Challenge is just one of many exciting schemes public libraries offer to help children develop a love of reading, gain confidence and get new skills. Libraries across Wales are putting on lots of exciting events and activities during the summer holidays to keep children occupied and parents stress free!

Call in to your local library or visit welshlibraries.org to find out more.

For more information on the Summer Reading Challenge including how to get involved, and resources for schools, go to www.readingagency.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge
www.facebook.com/SummerReadingChallengeUK
www.recordbreakers.org.uk
Download the Record Breakers Summer Reading Challenge App from sol.us/records

The post Can you and your children help break a record this Summer? appeared first on Libraries Wales.

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