Colchester-East Hants Public Library urges youngsters to tackle their reading challenge

Summer program begins June 22 and runs until Aug. 21

TRURO, N.S. — For brothers Nathan, 12, and Eric Sangster, 10, it’s pretty cool when you can win prizes for something you would be doing anyway.
The boys will once again be part of the Colchester-East Hants Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge which starts June 22 and goes until Aug. 21. It’s open to children ages three to 12.
“I like a lot of different books,” Nathan said. “I like graphic novels and regular novels. I like a lot of science fiction and sometimes a good murder mystery or two.”
“Graphic novels,” Eric said, as far as his reading choice, adding his preference is for adventure type of stories.
Prizes come as participants hit certain benchmarks as far as minutes read. Those taking up the challenge are asked to read 20 minutes a day with the ultimate goal of reaching 1,200 minutes. There are prizes for reaching the 400 and 800-minutes marks along the way.
“This year we have bendy pencils, a 3D Printed Cookie Cutter and ice cream coupons when they reach those minutes,” said Jenn Atkinson, head of Youth Services at the library in downtown Truro.
“Then, in addition to the reading, they also do challenges. They do 10 challenges from 50 to choose from. After they do all 10, they get a little board game kit. So we’re encouraging reading, but not just reading, other fun activities throughout the months.”
Those include kite flying, spotting animals in clouds participating in jump rope.
Participants receive one ballot for each milestone they accomplish, which are put for a grand prize draw.
“Our grand prize this year is a Nintendo Switch and the runner-up prize is a giant inflatable Snakes and Ladders game,” Atkinson said, prompting an excited response from Nathan and Eric.
Nathan is confident he and his brother will at least have a chance at the grand prize.
“We always hit the milestones,” he said. “I remember the grand prize one year was a book which I still have at home.”
As for a favourite graphic novel, Nathan quickly selected The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown.
“I like a lot of things, but I have to say that was my favourite, it was really descriptive,” he said.
Eric said he couldn’t single out a favourite because he has enjoyed so many different books.
“I read throughout the day and I write too,” Nathan said. “I find it easier to write during the night and read during the day.”

Impactful program

Atkinson said it’s nice to hear Nathan say he still has the book at home he won as part of a Summer Reading Challenge.
“It shows it makes an impact on kids,” she said.
The program has also had an impact on summer student April Sharpe, who is working at the library following her year at Acadia University.
“I did it (summer reading challenge) since I was five or six years old,” said Sharpe of Truro. “And I took from it the idea that I knew I wanted to help people read too.”
Asked about her favourite books, she referred to a Canadian classic.
“I have always loved Anne of Green Gables,” said Sharpe, who shares the same hair colour as Lucy Maude Montgomery’s P.E.I. heroine.
“I was even named after her. My middle name is Anne … with an ‘e,’” she said, echoing a line the title character often used in the books, to make sure people spelled her name properly.
For more on the Summer Reading Challenge and other programs for the library, including its status as part of the province’s Phase two lifting of COVID restrictions, visit lovemylibrary.ca. or its Facebook page, which now has a weekly calendar. 
To register your child for the reading challenge, call the library at 902-895-4183 or email [email protected] .  

Colchester-East Hants Public Library’s head of youth services Jenn Atkinson (left) and April Sharpe hold up promotional material regarding this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. - Richard MacKenzie
Colchester-East Hants Public Library’s head of youth services Jenn Atkinson (left) and April Sharpe hold up promotional material regarding this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. - Richard MacKenzie
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