5 - Tales of sporting heroes and legends in libraries

Archived news release from 2008

 

The sessions are being organised at libraries as part of this year’s summer reading challenge, which sets children the task of reading six books during their school holidays. The challenge theme is Team Read in support of the Beijing Olympics 2008.

 

Kicking off the August activities is poetry enthusiast Tom Flemons who will be     at Netherton library on Friday August 8 from 10:30am to 12:30pm and will then move onto Dudley Wood Neighbourhood Learning Centre, the location for the borough’s new Library Link from 1:30pm to 3:30pm.

 

On Saturday August 9 Tom will be at Cradley Library from 10am to 11am, Lye Library from 11:30am to 12:30pm and Brierley Hill Library from 2pm to until 3:30pm.

 

Tom will run shape poetry workshops where children can play with words to make simple shapes or pictures all with a sporting theme. The workshops are free for all families but children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.  Poems will be placed on display in the libraries and poetry book prizes will be up for grabs.

 

On Monday August 11, actress and storyteller Julie Cooper will visit Wordsley Green Library to share tales of some of the world’s best known sporting legends and heroes.  The event runs from 2pm to 3pm and is free to attend. 

 

Later in the month on Wednesday August 20, poet David Harmer will visit Dudley and Gornal libraries to perform a selection of his hilarious poems and stories.  Children with an interest in football may find this session particularly interesting.  Places are limited, parents and guardians are advised to contact Dudley or Gornal library for more information on session times.

 

“What a fantastic line up of events for August.  For families staying at home this summer, a trip to the library is a great way to spend time together.  Not only will the activities get children thinking creatively and provide the opportunity to make new friends but they can also learn more about sport and much more.

 

“Remember all the events are free and everyone is welcome to attend.  Places do go quickly though, so book up now.”

 

Young people aged 13 or above are reminded that this year, for the first time they can sign up to Extreme Team Read.  Again the challenge is to read six books but they can also go interactive at www.teamread.co.uk.  They just need to collect a membership card from their nearest library to sign up to the website. 

 

To find out more about any of the activities organised call 01384 812964.

All of the events have been organised as part of National Year of Reading 2008. To find out more go to www.dudley.gov.uk/libraries.