10 December 2013
Dare to Explore with the children’s summer reading adventure
Dare to Explore the world this summer at Auckland Libraries. Kids can go on an adventure and see the wonders of the
world, visit ancient civilisations and design a tree hut.
Dare to Explore is a free summer reading adventure for children aged 5-13, running from 9 December to 19 January 2014.
Children, accompanied by a parent or guardian, can simply sign up at any Auckland library.
The reading adventure combines the fun of reading with completing exciting challenges. The activities for Dare to
Explore this year are designed around the theme of ‘the world’.
On sign-up, children are given passports which guide them on their world journey. They contain exciting activities,
challenges, games and reading adventures to take part in. Children can tick off completed challenges in their passport
and track reading progress says Manager Libraries and Information, Allison Dobbie.
“We set children a range of challenges which incorporate reading into their daily lives over summer. The challenges can
be done at home, on holiday, at the library, on the internet, and with friends and family.
“Activities range from writing a book review to designing your own theme park ride.
“As children explore they are welcome to drop into the library and talk to a librarian about what they’ve been doing and
collect stamps and stickers. When children complete four challenges, they get an invitation to a celebration party,”
says Ms Dobbie.
Dare to Explore has been a success with children as well as parents and caregivers. In 2012 participation increased by
20% on the previous year and survey results show that the majority of parents and caregivers surveyed thought that their
children’s reading ability had been maintained or improved during the programme (Allpress and Gilbertson, 2013).
“The feedback we have had shows that parents and caregivers loved the way the Dare to Explore encouraged reading and was
fun and interesting. Many have commented on how varied and flexible it is, making it suitable for children with
different interests, skills and learning styles,” says Ms Dobbie.
Dare to Explore is being run in all of Auckland’s 55 libraries and is supported by Rotary.
If you’re not a member of Auckland Libraries then don’t worry - joining is easy! Go online or speak to a librarian to
sign upwww.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz
Photographs show the launch of Auckland Libraries’ Dare to Explore summer reading programme at Massey Library on Monday
9 December. This was attended by children from St Paul’s School, Massey.
Dare to Explore participation
• There were 6400 participants in 2011/2012
• The number grew nearly 20% to 7901 participants in 2012/2013
ENDS