Crusaders go on tour for Reading Crusade

27 March 2007

Crusaders rugby players will visit three Christchurch City Libraries next week to encourage children to take part in the Reading Crusade – a partnership between the Libraries and the Crusaders Rebel Sport Super 14 rugby team.

The library visits, which will involve children from local schools, will be on Tuesday, 3 April, between 2pm and 3pm at Upper Riccarton, Bishopdale and New Brighton libraries.

The previous Reading Crusade attracted more than 11,000 children and the chance to have lunch with members of the Crusaders is expected to attract even more this year .The Reading Crusade aims to inspire children, specially boys, into a life long habit of reading.

Media Invitation

Reporters and photographers are invited to visit the libraries during the Crusaders visits. Dates and times are above.

Background

The Reading Crusade is open to all primary and intermediate school children in the Crusaders franchise catchment, which includes Canterbury, the West Coast, Buller, Nelson and Marlborough.

The Reading Crusade is promoted directly to schools. Children simply need to read six fiction or non-fiction books, complete an entry form, hand it in to their teacher who then forwards the forms on to Christchurch City Libraries. Entry forms must be received by Christchurch City Libraries no later than Monday 23 April 2007. Children will go in the draw for some fantastic prizes including several chances to watch a special training session with the Crusaders and join members of the team for lunch. Every child who takes part will receive a Reading Crusade certificate, printed with the signatures of the Crusaders Super 14 rugby team. The prizegiving for the Reading Crusade will be on Wednesday, 2 May.

More information about The Reading Crusade is available on the website christchurchcitylibraries.com/ReadingCrusade including a map showing the schools that have taken up the challenge.

This is the third time the Crusaders and Christchurch City Libraries have worked together on a Reading Crusade. The first in 2003 attracted 7000 entries and gained a 3M Innovation Award for Reading Literacy. In 2005, the Reading Crusade received more than 13,000 entries.

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