Nia Griffith MP welcomes summer reading challenge

WITH this year’s Summer Reading Challenge underway, Llanelli’s MP Nia Griffith paid a visit to Llangennech Library to celebrate local efforts to encourage children to read.

Ms Griffith, accompanied by Llangennech County Councillor Gary Jones, were welcomed to the library by Dewi Morgan, who works there as a librarian. They also met Josh Parry, and asked him as a young person what he thought of this year’s ‘Space Chase’ theme – it met with his approval.

Nia Griffith MP explained, “As a former teacher, I know how important it is to encourage children to read from an early age. The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way of doing this by challenging primary school children to read six library books over the summer holidays.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Josh Parry, and asking him what he thought of the challenge theme ‘Space Chase’ theme – chosen to mark the 50^th anniversary of the moon landings. Children can choose any books they like for the challenge, but the ‘Space Chase’ theme is a good one for appealing to young people. I still remember the excitement I felt as a child watching the first moon landing on TV, so I know this year’s extra-terrestrial theme will spark the interest of many children.

“Many libraries in Carmarthenshire and across UK take part in the challenge, and there are rewards for each book the children read and certificates for those who manage to complete the challenge. Any type of book counts towards the Reading Challenge, and, whether it’s fiction, history or even joke books, the most important thing is that children enjoy the experience of reading.

“The challenge is also a great way of getting children and parents to use and support our fantastic local libraries. It was great to visit Llangennech Library, which has excellent opening hours and facilities, and celebrate the excellent work that goes on in our libraries to support the community.

Cllr Gary Jones added, “This is a much needed initiative to encourage children and their parents, and instil in them a love of reading.

“My father would take me to the mobile library – he would choose cowboy novels, and I would pick out space travel. When I had children I enrolled them at our local Library.

“Llangennech Library is well stocked with books, and has a friendly Librarian.”