Librarians reward pupils
CANDICE BRADFIELD
BATHURST Primary School pupils were treated to an end of year party thrown by the Bathurst Library, which also rewarded the three best readers for their efforts last Thursday.The pupils from Grade 3 to Grade 7 visit the library every Tuesday and Thursday to get new books and read to librarians Lyn Matthews and Thelma Hofer.
Asiphe Bentele in Grade 7 received first prize for reading nine books during the year, Kim Nyaule in Grade 6 came second for reading a total of six books and Okuhle Kolela came third for reading five books. Each of them received a hardcover Walt Disney book donated by Rosehill SuperSpar.
Matthews said they were very excited about the pupil’s achievements.
TOP READERS: Bathurst Primary School pupils, (front, from left) Asiphe Bentele, Kim Nyaule and Okuhle Kolela received prizes for reading at the Bathurst Library last Thursday. At the back (from left) are librarians Lyn Matthews and Thelma Hofer Picture: CANDICE BRADFIELD
They used money raised from two raffles together with some of their own money to buy biscuits, sweets and cool drink for the pupils.
The pupils in turn showed their appreciation for Matthews and Hofer with hugs and letters to the "library ladies, who both work on a volunteer basis, with the library’s running costs covered by the municipality.To find out if the children understand what they are reading, each child is asked to report back what their book was all about and to read a section to one of the librarians.
Matthews said they use chocolates or sweets, bought with vouchers donated by Rosehill SuperSpar, to encourage the children to read."They have been most helpful,” said Dawn Richter who teaches Grades 5 and 6.
She said that while they have books at the school, it is nice to have a community library which has a larger range of books. The pupils also get to learn how a library works, how the cards are used, the difference between fiction and non-fiction as well as how to behave in a library, she said."We have two very enthusiastic librarians who have helped a lot. It’s great that the library is open again, although it shouldn’t be up to private individuals,” said Grade 3 and 4 teacher David le Roux.
Richter thanked Matthews and Hofer for all their hard work.They have just received a box of brand new books from the Grahamstown library - the third such parcel this year.
Matthews said they have had "amazing support” from the general public and that it is getting better and better.When asked about the future plans for the library, Matthews said they wanted to let it run as it has been and to continue to teach the children what the library is all about.
The Bathurst Library is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 12pm and on Saturday from 9am to 11am.