Books in the Wild popular with Waitakere secondary students

Book worm: Kelston Boys High School student Josh Peri, 13, of Glen Eden is among teenagers taking part in a new literacy programme.

By Rani Timoti

A new scheme aimed at getting more teenagers reading starts in Waitakere city this week.

The Books in the Wild programme is an innovative book-sharing initiative targeting year 9 and 10 pupils.

Popular teen book titles will be left at various locations around the city, including schools and indoor public areas.

Students will be challenged to hunt them down, register online and make comments before leaving the books in similar places for other participants to pick up.

The 14-week trial programme is being coordinated by the Waitakere Library and Information Service.

Spokeswoman Adrienne Hannan, says it’s difficult getting younger teenagers into libraries.

She hopes the programme will make the library a little more appealing.

"The modern library is more like the living room of the city, with computers, games, DVDs and CDs in addition to books, magazines, reference material and study guides," she says.

"If we can raise that awareness through initiatives like this then we stand to create a new generation of library users."

Library staff have been promoting the scheme around schools with great success.

"About 200 kids at Rutherford College were trying to get into their library first to get the books," she says. "It was a similar scene at Waitakere College."

The programme features plenty of prizes for students and participating schools.

It will be extended to other age groups if it is successful.

Information, visit www.booksinthewild.co.nz

Western Leader