That young people have stopped reading is a perennial grouse of parents and teachers world over, and it is a challenge to get them to read seriously.
The Reading Challenge is an immensely popular and successful reading initiative run in libraries and schools in the United Kingdom which the British Library is introducing in Bangalore.
Each year the Reading Challenge encourages children to read six or more books of their choice. In return each child who completes the Challenge gets incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal.
The 2009 Reading Challenge has a fantasy theme. Called Quest Seekers, it takes young readers into a mysterious and wondrous land where they can discover the joy of reading and nurture a lifelong love affair with reading and books.
The adventure starts at the British Library here where young Quest Seekers meet Cadmus the gatekeeper. Cadmus challenges them to bring back a golden book, and there are three stages to their quest: Firebird Rising, Mountain Mission and Dragon’s Lair.
The programme, which starts on September 15 and ends on November 14, 2009, is open to children in the age group five to 13 years. Registration has commenced. There are limited seats available and registration will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, contact the British Library, 23, Kasturba Road Cross, Bangalore 560001, or call 080-22489220 or email bl.bangalore@in.britishcouncil.org.
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