BIG WILD READ

Today Mark, Chris and myself travelled to Lossiemouth Library to play the 'Eco-Bin Game' with twenty youngsters who have signed up for the annual Big Wild Read Challenge across Britain. The primary aim is to get children reading but this year there is the added benefit of enhancing their environment as a result. The Woodland Trust will plant a tree for each book read and the libraries are offering children weekly activies that promote recycling and environmental awareness - que the 'Eco-Bins'.

The majority of the children were obviously familiar with their library and happily took part in the treasure hunt organised by Stephen Leach, the Community Librarian, whilst we set up the game. Mark bravely facilitated two groups at the same time and both Chris and myself led one each. Just as found at Elgin Library last week, the age range ran from around 4 to around 12. At times, this was fairly challenging, so we aim to group the children by age at Forres Library tomorrow and hope that this will make our job a wee bit easier and help to keep the children engaged at the right level.

All in all, a very enjoyable time was had, both by us and the happy faces that left the library.

Kirsty Conti