Summer Readers in Monaghan return from Space

Did you know that astronauts have to exercise for four hours a day when in Space or that they sleep standing up while strapped into a sleeping bag? These are just a few of the interesting facts the children of Monaghan learned when the Staff from Armagh Planetarium presented them with their ‘Space Hop’ Certificates and Medals.

The Summer Reading Challenge has proven to be a huge success once again in the libraries in County Monaghan. This programme, this year entitled Space Hop is run in conjunction with the Reading Agency in the UK and is in its twelfth year. Children were encouraged to boldly go to new worlds to discover the joy of reading. Each child taking part undertook to read six or more books of their choice over the summer holidays and won plenty of rewards for their achievements. We had treasure hunts around the library, Space Rockets landing and plenty of activities for the children to enjoy. Libraries were invaded by aliens as the participants were encouraged to Design an Alien.

Photo shows some of those who participated in the Challenge, Anna May Mc Carron, Barry Coyle and Laura Carey (Library Staff) and Tracey Mc Connell, Armagh Planetarium.

Children were also able to log on to the interactive Space Hop website, where they were able to link in with top authors and illustrators and chat about their favourite books and share reading ideas.

Staff from Armagh Planetarium joined library staff for the presentation of certificates and medals to those participating. Following on the theme of the Challenge, the Planetarium staff tested the participants on their knowledge of space and helped the children to experience ‘Life on Space’.

Congratulations to all the children and families who took part in this year’s Reading Challenge.