Thiruvananthapuram:

The valedictory function of the Reading Challenge, a New Year resolution activity launched by State Central Library, Palayam for students would be held on Friday.

The library had created a special collection of around 500 books in Malayalam and English in the Children’s Library section, for the reading challenge. In the challenge, the participants have to read as many books from the collection, by the end of the year. The aim of the programme is to inculcate the habit of reading among students.

The library had conducted reading sessions where the children presented a review of the books they had read and a reading camp led by well-known writers. Nearly 600 students had enrolled in the programme.

“It was noticed that people mostly visited the library only for preparing for competitive examinations and it was planned to create an interest in the library members to read classics, which led to the reading challenge. The reading sessions received good response from students. It gave them a platform to talk about their favourite authors and share their views on books,” said state librarian, Shobhana P K.

A programme titled, ‘Vayanakku Vendi’, will be held as part of the concluding session, where the participants would get a chance to present their creative works like short stories and poems. “The session was included, following the demand from the parents,” she said.

A wide range of programmes is planned by the library authorities for next year. With the construction of the new building in the library campus, it is planned to shift the Malayalam and English fiction section from the main building and dedicate a space for the reading challenge.

“The reading challenge will be continued every year. We hope that along with students, other members of the library will participate in the reading challenge next year,” added Shobhana.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City News> Thiruvananthapuram News / TNN / December 24th, 2017