Members of the Crusaders will be encouraging children to tackle a good book as part of a reading campaign by Christchurch City Libraries.

Now under way, the Reading Crusade aims to encourage primary and intermediate age children to choose and read their own selection of 12 super titles, during the period of the Super 12 rugby competition.

Children who take part will receive a certificate, printed with the Crusaders’ signatures, and their names go into a draw for prizes, including the chance to join the Crusaders for a day. Information and entry forms have been sent to all city primary and intermediate schools. The return of entry forms is being coordinated through schools.

“This promotion recognises that, for many young children, sporting heroes are important role models, and that messages from them are eagerly received,” says Annette Williams of the Central City Library’s Centre for the Child.

“At Christchurch City Libraries we run a number of successful programmes which encourage young children and their parents to recognise reading as a key to learning.

“The Crusaders are great advocates for the reading message and are playing an active role in ensuring that the Reading Crusade will really catch the children’s attention.”