At last count, 118 children had taken up the challenge to read as many books as possible over the holiday period.

Not all of these children are residents of Bundaberg, or library members - we have had a surprising number of children who are holidaying here, or vising relatives join and begin the scheme.

Many of our Reading Rulz! members have already passed the 10 books mark, which means they have won a bookmark and a cinema voucher, and a prize from the lucky dip box.

Mos of the children have managed at least six books, which for some of them is a great achievement.

It is always rewarding to see a child who has not really been interested in reading come and tell you they have finished another book in a week.

Of course, we do have some Olympic standard readers as well, and these avid readers are reaching the 30 books goal.

Thus far only three have reached that milestone and recieved a certificate, so congratulations to Tayla Whalley, Jack Lutter and Regan Brocklehurst.

For children who may not be as proficient at reading as others, we have a number of ways in which they can increase their overall point score.

Attending any of the Reading Rulz! activity afternoons this week and next week will give the children bonus points, and completing an activity booklet of puzzles and quizzes will also earn points.

In this way, many slower readers can qualify for the various levels of achievement within the reading scheme.

The first Reading Rulz! games afternoon was held on Monday, and 20 children aged between five and 14 years exercised their wits and their memory with a series of general knowledge quizzes, board games and word games.

For those Reading Rulz! members who would like to spend a fun afternoon in air conditioned comfort, we will be running another games afternoon on Monday. Telephone Sue Gammon or Peta Kinch to book your place.

There are a number of spaces left in our craft and activity afternoons next Wednesday and Friday as well, so any Reading Rulz! members can still book for these sessions.

Our first Reading Rulz! program has been received so enthusiastically by both children and parents in the community, that Bundaberg Library will run another scheme in the 2005/2006 summer holidays.

Thanks must go to both the Moncrieff Theatre and the Bundaberg Friends of the Library for their sponsorship of this program, and above all, to the children and parents who have shown that reading is alive and flourishing in the Bundaberg area.