Deputy Crowe welcomes launch of Summer Reading Programme

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Seán Crowe, TD, has welcomed this week’s launch of the Summer Reading Programme at Stillorgan Library in Dublin.

Deputy Crowe said: “The Summer Reading Programme runs in public libraries every July and August and it is a reading event that is open to children of all ages and abilities.

“It is important children are given every encouragement to read books and the Summer Reading Programme allows them to keep a record of their progress. Those children who meet the challenge will receive a certificate at the end of the summer.

“One of the most important challenges facing our current education sector is the need to address the alarming fall in literacy and numeracy rates and any initiative that helps encourages reading is to welcomed.

“It is vitally important that children learn the basics of literacy and numeracy at a young age as these are key skills for doing well at school and later in life.

“Last year the Summer Reading Programme encouraged thousands of children to read books and across the State, hundreds of libraries and mobile libraries are involved in this year’s programme.

“In my own constituency of Dublin South West there are a number of fantastic libraries that are modern, child friendly and equipped with wonder facilities. This scheme provides families with have an opportunity to see what other events and facilities are available in their local library and they can enjoy Internet access, storytime, bookclubs and many other events in these very important amenities.”