Crusaders Kick Off Reading Initiative

12 February 2003

Reuben Thorne and Justin Marshall are among five Crusaders who will join Christchurch primary and intermediate school children at Christchurch’s Central City Library next Monday 17 February to launch an initiative aimed at encouraging children, particularly young boys, to read.

The Reading Crusade, which sees Christchurch City Libraries and the Crusaders working together in a campaign believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand, encourages children to read a selection of "twelve super titles" and go in the draw to be a "Crusader for a day".

"Showing children that their sporting heroes enjoy reading is a powerful way to encourage reluctant readers to pick up a book", says Annette Williams of Christchurch City Libraries. "The message is particularly timely, given that we’re only days out from the beginning of the Super 12 series."

The Crusaders have listed their favourite reads on a Reading Crusade website http://www.library.christchurch.org.nz/ReadingCrusade/Kids.asp and will take part in the launch at Central City Library’s Centre for the Child on Monday at 12 noon.

Christchurch City Libraries ~ Media Releases index