‘Read and Feed’ programme to be extended to more libraries

Councillor John Blundell

The ‘Read and Feed’ programme at Smallbridge Library is to be extended to an additional five libraries, Wednesday’s (12 July) council meeting heard.

The programme, funded by all Townships, will be rolled out to Balderstone, Belfield, Junction, Darnhill and Langley libraries.

There is also to be a new ‘Fit’ element included, with activities and sport sessions being run by Link4Life.

All children joining the ‘Fit, Feed and Read’ scheme will receive a free lunch at the library throughout the summer holidays.

The scheme was introduced by Councillor John Blundell, after realising a high number of children using the library, many of whom who didn’t leave for lunch or pick up a book.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/108681/libraries-by-councillor-john-blundell

Speaking earlier this year, he said: “I realised there was an opportunity for the library to fill a unique policy need - and promote literacy at the same time as making sure children were guaranteed a healthy meal.

“My solution to this problem was to introduce the ‘Read and Feed’ scheme. Children that went to the library and read for one hour were given a packed lunch.

"The concept is simple, cheap and was an instant success.

"The number of children completing the summer reading challenge rose by 500% and scores of lunches were handed out.

"Many youngsters were introduced to the joy of reading for the first time as a result. Nowhere else in the Borough saw increased numbers on this scale.

"Children in Smallbridge were learning and getting a healthy meal at the same time.”

The Smallbridge Councillor hopes Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, will encourage the scheme to be adopted throughout the region.