[1]In the age of Internet and smart apps, it is quite a task to keep alive the habit of visiting libraries, attending reading sessions, or simply curling up in a nook with a good book.
Enter Chandini, the founder of Hippocampus library, Chennai, who promises bookworms a chance to indulge in a lot of fun on World Book Day. “It's all about getting kids into bookshops and libraries on a day that celebrates reading.” Talking about the activities planned, Chandini says, “We are organising a book fair. There's going to be a Skype session with author Rupa Pai. We are also giving the kids a reading guide for their summer vacations.”
Some have activities like creating books with fictional characters. Santhosh, founder of Bambaram Toy Library, the only online library in the city, says, “There are a number of avid readers out there. We get online orders regularly every week. We also have tie-ups with schools so that we are upto date with the curriculum.”
Stirring a child's imagination is something only books can do and that's one of the most endearing things about reading. “Everytime I read a book like Princess Diaries or Enid Blyton, my imagination too starts spinning. It's even fun when I sit down with my cousin for reading sessions,” says Manushree R., a 10-year-old student of Bala Vidya Mandir, Adyar.
For parents, it's all about keeping the habit alive, even if it means investing in the latest colourfully illustrated books. Says Shobana, parent of a 9-year-old, “I think it's important for kids to read books outside of their school curriculum. The child's comprehension skills improve dramatically.”
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