The week beginning 4th March was a very busy but enjoyable one: I gave a talk at the Newmachar Young Wives monthly meeting and also at the Gordon Forum for the Arts AGM; I went to Aberchirder for the Aberdeenshire Libraries Reading Bus day; I joined a class at Kemnay Academy for a talk and readings to celebrate World Book Day; and then I went off on my travels with the Aberdeenshire mobile library on a Readathon event, stopping off at Mintlaw, Ellon, Meldrum and Newmachar. Some of the staff from Aberdeenshire Libraries will soon be visiting Zambia to travel as storytellers with the Book Bus - bringing books and the joy of reading to disadvantaged children. The Aberdeenshire Libraries Crew has been fundraising for some time and everyone involved is really looking forward to the adventure. The Readathon event was organised to highlight and celebrate the planned visit to Zambia and to make the public aware of the good work being carried out by Book Bus, which visits schools and orphanages in Zambia, Malawi and Ecuador.
Despite the importance of literacy, large class sizes and a lack of resources mean there few reading opportunities for many children in developing countries. The Book Bus supports schools by providing library services facilities and volunteer storytellers to help children become more confident readers. Working mainly with rural schools, the volunteer crew divide classes into small groups and inspire the children to read by personalising the reading experience through storytelling, individual interpretation and creative arts. This support is sustained by providing books and resources to each school library.
The week's events were so enjoyable and worthwhile. What a wonderful job I have! I'll be posting photos from some of these events - watch this space!
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