Release Date : 05 Jun 2010
Singapore, 5 June 2010 –The National Library Board (NLB) officially set a record for the "Most Fathers Reading & Storytelling Extravaganza" in the Singapore Book of Records by having the most number of fathers and father figures reading at the same time with their children at Compass Point Atrium, where 10,000 & More Fathers Reading! 2010, a nation-wide reading initiative was launched. Storytelling sessions onboard the MRT train and launch activities at Compass Point Atrium were also part of this year's initiative, which aims to encourage fathers and father figures to cultivate a love for reading among their young charges.
This year's initiative, themed "Dads Raise Little Booklovers" expands its focus to include father figures such as soon-to-be fathers, grandfathers, uncles and male caregivers/guardians with children up to 12 years old. This extended focus highlights the importance of father figures as role models in the lives of their young charges. The initiative will also engage fathers from the healthcare, retail, food and beverage sectors as they usually work irregular hours and feel that they may not have enough time to spend reading to their children.
As part of the launch activities, participants boarded a dedicated train from Punggol MRT station and were treated to storytelling sessions conducted in creative ways. The one-hour journey to HarbourFront MRT station and back to Sengkang MRT Station was the highlight of the launch event which was graced by the Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts.
In conjunction with the launch, a 10,000 & More Fathers Reading! handbook titled "Tales & Reading Tips by Fathers for Fathers" published by Public Libraries Singapore (PLS) was also unveiled. The handbook provides resources and information on literacy-related matters and consists of reading tips by fathers from all walks of life, librarians and stories by the 10,000 & More Fathers Reading! Ambassadors, namely Mr Inderjit Singh, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC and Mr Mok Loi Wong, Higher Technical Officer, Housing & Development Board.
Exciting line-up of programmes to inspire fathers
In line with the theme, a series of activities will be organised till September 2010 to raise awareness and appreciation of the reading initiative. They include the inaugural 10,000 & More Fathers Reading! Workshops 2010 which will feature 12 sessions of enriching and interactive workshops equipping fathers with techniques to cultivate and foster the love for reading among their children.
NLB will also organise 10,000 & More Fathers Reading! Video Contest 2010 which aims to inspire father figures to capture their significant moment on video when they read or engage in literacy-related activities with their children. Multi-lingual storybook review cards are also distributed to children of pre-schools and primary schools for them to jointly pen their thoughts with their fathers on two books, which they have read.
The public can visit 10000fathers.nlb.gov.sg for more details on the activities.