Books Grow on Trees this Summer

The Summer Reading Programme is back for the 14th consecutive year and this time kids are being encouraged to go bush with The Big Bush Read. This hugely popular programme is delivered throughout the Eastern and Central region through funding provided by the Eastern and Central Community Trust. This year’s Big Bush Read theme celebrates the fantastic New Zealand bush and the wildlife that inhabits it, and recognises the need to protect it. Here in the Wairarapa we enjoy some wonderful wilderness areas such as the Tararua ranges and of course the Pukaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, so the programme should have special appeal to the children of our region.


Kids enrolled in the Summer Reading Programme talk to library staff about the library books they have been reading (or had read to them by parents and caregivers) and in exchange receive incentive prizes. Children who complete the programme (by checking in to the library on four or more occasions over the six weeks it runs for) are also eligible to attend finale celebrations with more prizes, certificates, food and entertainment. As part of the programme libraries also host performances by visiting entertainers including storytellers and magicians during the school holidays. All of this is offered free of charge.

The Summer Reading Programme is designed for children ranging in age from 2 to 13 years. Also available is the ReadPlus programme which operates on a slightly different basis, and is aimed at ages 11 to 18. There is some cross over in these ages but it allows children to choose the programme that most appeals to them. This year the ReadPlus programme features artwork that takes a gothic twist on some well-known fairy tales, perfectly suited to the Twilight generation who like things a little dark and spooky.

In the Wairarapa the Summer Reading Programme and ReadPlus will be offered by Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, Featherston and Martinborough libraries. Masterton Library also has places available for speakers and readers of Māori to do the programme in Te Reo. Here at Masterton Library registration for both programmes takes place on the 2nd of December from 4:00 to 7:30pm, and the programme itself runs from the 13th of December to the 21st of January. If you belong to one of the other libraries get in contact with them to find out the details of when and how they are running the programme. For all libraries places are limited so avoid disappointment and make sure you secure your space in the Big Bush Read.

Thanks to the co-operation of local councils, the hard work of librarians, and the financial support of the Eastern and Central Community Trust, the Summer Reading Programme has been an incredibly successful initiative. Children enrolled on the programme have an opportunity to maintain and even improve their reading skills over the summer break - a period when many loose the gains they have made at school. For those not yet at school it is a chance to become more familiar with books and reading, and for all it is a chance to get to know their librarians. And on top of all these benefits, it’s also a whole lot of fun. So get lost in a book not the bush this summer with the Summer Reading Programme.

Jon Adams
Community Outreach Librarian
Masterton District Library