A total of 68 children, aged between 5 and 12, from Sant Carles de la Ràpita participated this summer in reading initiatives promoted by the Sebastià Juan Arbó Municipal Library. The main objective was to foster the reading habit during holidays and keep reading an attractive activity throughout the summer months.
The programs included "We Win a Reading Summer" by the Bofill Foundation, "Reading is Rewarded" by the Department of Culture in collaboration with Legiland, and this year's new addition, "The Pirate Reader's Map," designed by the library itself for early readers.
The Councilor for Culture, Noelia Belmonte, positively assessed the children's response and family involvement, emphasizing that "reading can also be about playing, imagining, and having fun." Belmonte highlighted the importance of continuing to promote activities that bring books closer to young children.
Regarding the "Reading is Rewarded" contest, Belmonte expressed excitement about the success of the Rapita participants: "That nine out of eleven participants from our library are among the top 150 in Catalonia is a result that brings us great joy and recognizes the effort they made throughout the summer."
In this edition of the contest, which saw 1,976 participants from across Catalonia, nine of the eleven children from the Sebastià Juan Arbó Municipal Library ranked among the top 150 finishers, receiving a commemorative bookmark.
Among the participants, Alba M. I., aged nine, secured second place in one stage, winning a book bundle. Additionally, Alba and Nil T. G. achieved fifth place in the team competition.
As recognition for their effort, the library presented these two children with a gift consisting of a book bundle and tickets to the Sixto Mir Auditorium.
In the "We Win a Reading Summer" initiative, children who completed their reading log participated in a raffle for children's books and magazines.
The "Pirate Reader's Map" proposal encouraged early readers with a playful approach. Participants who completed the map received a diploma and a bookmark during the "Pirate Party" storytelling session.
The Sebastià Juan Arbó Municipal Library thanked all the children and families for their participation, emphasizing that these activities help maintain the reading habit during holidays and make reading a shared, fun, and motivating experience.
