Written by Wendy D’Sa
The inter library Reading Challenge winner was announced in May 24 and much to our expectations, The Alban and Aurora Couto Community Library, Aldona was awarded the winner.
In January of 24 when Sujata proposed the idea of holding an inter library Reading Challenge between all our five libraries, the library team eagerly participated. Each library first sent across their ‘desired list’ which included genres/categories that they wanted their library members to read. This was followed by poster announcements, a clear set of guidelines to follow, preparation of shelves for books and then encouraging children to read.
A reading log poster with five shelves of books, (87 books) was displayed in every library. Children were expected to read as many books from a specific category, add one book name to a book spine and proceed to have a book chat with a library member. In a separate sheet the library-in-charge would record the members name along with the books read. New categories were revealed every fortnight which included:
Indian authors, wordless picture books, non-fiction, general fiction, graphics, funny books.
And in no time everyone was reading. Members, non-members, their parents, including us- all set off on the reading spree, with our eyes fixed firmly on the goal. The only thing everyone knew is that we had to win come rain or shine. There were story-read-alouds, book discussions, book chats, parents reading to and with their children and a collective determination to fill the reading log posters and sheets. “Gosh, my head is exploding. I’ve already read four books,” said a voice.” Just two for today, we have to touch fifty.” said another. There was a parent who even skipped lunch only to ensure that her son came in to borrow books, such was the commitment of the community. And we were certain of winning the trophy.
AACCL has a good number of readers but it was the ‘selective readers’ (the ones who will not read anything besides a certain author or genre) who not only took us to the winning edge but also benefited from this activity.
When eleven-year-old Labhesh enrolled for membership a year ago, he was only interested in reading Geronimo Stilton’s and non-fictions. On hearing about the Reading Challenge he was so thrilled because for him awards and winning is a huge motivator. Eventually he was announced the winner for reading the highest number of books from the reading challenge shelf. When asked about his overall experience regarding the challenge he said that he now knows what it feels like to live in a war torn country after reading I survived the Nazi invasion of 1944 or what it feels like to be homeless having read Earthquake boy.
Book Talks, discussions and stories were in the spotlight during a Reading Challenge specific session held at AACCL and it was delightful to see children receiving small rewards for sharing their favorite books from this collection. More rewarding for them was a connection they made with a book. Dionne instantly connected with the book Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor and Krisha liked The Boy in the cupboard because it made her think. They were even given a choice to choose the next category and many opted for graphic novels, books on Pirates and adventures.
At the cross sharing between libraries held a few months later at the VJKCC, Saligao, there were many other children who did insightful book talks about the books they read. Isabel said she was emotionally stirred on reading Behind the lie and wondered how could a father be so abusive.
The reading challenge unearthed some good finds for children. Marisca said she loved the character of the mysterious teacher in Leprechauns don’t play basketball. Tanshi said she read a book on pop culture only because it was on the reading shelf, now she is eager to explore more such books.
On the event day, the enthusiastic Bookworm team had created a magical ambience that had a mix of entertainment, excitement and suspense but what captured children’s attention were the thousands of books that occupied every shelf. Children from different Bookworm libraries holding their banners displaying library names and reading log posters converged into this space with a deeper sense of belonging to a larger community of readers who share a love for reading.
While children are all set for the next challenge we at the library would certainly pay heed to another group of children who enthusiastically started off on this journey but gave up after reading two or three books. Yes, they contributed to the challenge, but what could we have done differently to keep them motivated to continue reading? We as a library have a lot to explore, reflect upon and prepare for an enhanced version of it. The reading challenge is a work in progress. It is definitely here to stay, to create a thriving community of readers.