Library Announces Summer Reading Winners

The Bermuda National Library announced the winners of “Have Book, Will Travel,” the Library’s summer reading programme launched on July 1st by Joanne Brangman, Head Librarian, and supported by the Buechner Society of Bermuda.

More than 375 children registered for the summer reading programme and 47 completed their passports. While approximately 100 adults signed up and 40 completed their boarding passes. Through the adult and children’s programmes, a combined total of more than 1,500 books were read.

Adults were required to read seven books which corresponded to the genres on their seven booking passes. Once they submitted all seven boarding passes, they were given an eighth to fill in and submit for a prize. Children had passports which they had to complete. They had to read books and participate in events at the Youth Library. For each book they read and event they attend, their passport was stamped. Those who filled out their entire passport were eligible for the top prizes.

To be eligible for the Family prize, at least one parent had to participate in the Adult program and one child had to participate in the Children’s programme.

Head Librarian Ms Brangman said, “The programme has been an overwhelming success! With the support of the Buechner Society of Bermuda we were able to support Bermudian children as they read over 900 books this summer—a new record for the programme.”

David Altshuler of the Buechner Society of Bermuda said, “We are thrilled that this year’s summer reading programme not only helped with child literacy but also helped to further establish the National Library as Bermuda’s home for reading and learning. Literacy is a core program for the Society as Frederick Buechner, a former Paget resident and celebrated theologian and author of 36 books, has a particular interest in supporting reading and learning in Bermuda and we are grateful to Joanne Brangman for leading such a strong programme.”

Quaezjon Bean, the grand prize winner of the children’s programme received a ticket to anywhere JetBlue flies donated by JetBlue and a $250 travel voucher supplied by the Buechner Society. An iPad and an iPad Mini were also awarded to Starr Bowen and Lexiana Tucci, two of the winners of the children’s programme. Tamberle Bean and Nkenge Warren-Swan, the two adult winners, claimed the top prizes of an iPad and an iPad Mini. The Family Prizes, an iPad and an iPad Mini were awarded to Sara, Tommy and Jonathan Wesrhead. The iPads, as well as travel awards and gift certificates, were all supplied by the Buechner Society of Bermuda, the major sponsor of the event.

Marla Smith, Youth Services Librarian, added, “We are indeed grateful to all of our sponsors, the Buechner Society of Bermuda, BELCO, JetBlue, Butterfield & Vallis, Argus and Butterfield Bank. Thanks are also extended to the agencies, organisations, parents and people that freely gave of their time to see this programme come to fruition. Bermuda’s children are better for it!”

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