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(EMU) – St. Kitts, April, 21^st 2017: ‘Open A Book, Find A Treasure’, was the theme under which The Charles A. Halbert Public Library conducted its 22nd Annual Easter Read-A-Thon.

The Read-A-Thon, which ran from 10th – 13th April, targeted youths from age 7 – 12 years.  Participants were required to select and read a minimum of five books per day.  The objective, to select a winner based on the total number of books each participant would have read.  After completing a book, the child would be required to answer questions based on said book to ensure comprehension of the contents.

Librarian, Ms. Petrine Clarke, expressed that the overall goal of the Read-A-Thon is to enhance children’s interest in reading.  She added, the objectives were simply to “Encourage children to read more, broaden their vocabulary, expand their imaginations and heighten their interest in books.”  She further explained, “The aim is to select the best reader. In addition to reading we have included activities. These activities would help the children with vocabulary building, comprehension and spelling skills.”

The closing ceremony was held at the Library facilities on Friday, 21^st April at 10:00 a.m.  Minister of Education, Hon. Shawn Richards and invited guests were in attendance to witness the distribution of awards and prizes.  Josiah Davis was declared the over-all winner as well as the winner for the junior category.  Aarya Mungli and Joanna Thompson claimed the second and third titles respectively in the junior category.  The Senior winners were Daniel Thompson, Ayanna Blanchard and Shaquanna Moses, first, second and third winners respectively.

 

Guest speaker at the closing ceremony was Kittitian author and playwright, Mr. Loughlin Tatem, he congratulated the participants of the Read-A-Thon and commended the staff of the Library for their continued maintenance of this program as well as their efforts to keep the library, memorable and impactful.  He stated, “I believe the library is crucial, and I commend the staff of the Library for keeping up this tradition.”

Sponsors of this year’s Easter Read-A-Thon were, Russell Halbert, The Ministry of Education, Island Bakery, T.D.C. Limited, Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis, O.D. Brisbane & Sons, Builders Paradise St. Kitts, Coury David & Co Ltd., Delisle Walwyn & Co. Ltd., Karibhana’s Trading Ltd, Harpers Depot, School Apex, St. Kitts Scenic Railway, Best Buy Supermarket, Fraites & Sons Bakery, St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority, Sagicor, SKNIS, Heidi Fagerberg and the Rotary Club of Liamigua.  Gratitude was also extended to the Primary schools that nominated students, parents as well as the participants.  The staff of the Charles A. Halbert Library will now begin preparations for the Annual Summer Programme which will run from the 10^th – 21^st July, 2017.