Patients and staff at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) swapped bandages for books and stethoscopes for stories to launch ‘National Year of Reading at the RCH’ today.
The RCH signed up as a partner of the 2012 National Year of Reading, joining state, public and school libraries, and community groups around the country in an initiative that promotes reading and literacy and inspires Australians to become a nation of readers.
Ms Inga Peulich MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Education, attended the launch, which sported a Valentine’s Day theme.
The hospital’s atrium, Main Street, was transformed into a Literature Lovers Lane with visits from celebrity children’s authors, surprise guest appearances from popular book characters, word games, installations and performances that celebrated a love of reading.
Felice Arena (author of Specky Magee series), Michael Wagner (author of Maxx Rumble series) and author and illustrator Jeanette Rowe with sidekick SmartyCat performed for patients and visitors throughout the day.
Patients were serenaded by roving musicians playing love songs, before tucking into love-themed cupcakes.
A giant Valentine’s Day card was quickly filled with messages from children, young people, families and staff, sharing what they ‘love2read’, the catchphrase of National Year of Reading.
There were also opportunities to put artistic skills to the test, with badge and bookmark making workshops and calico book bag screen-printing.
RCH Education Institute Director, Glenda Strong, said the hospital was thrilled to be a partner of National Year of Reading.
“Our teachers are adept at creating exciting learning opportunities in a non-school setting that speak to children and young people as ongoing learners, particularly when a child’s engagement in formal education may be compromised by a health condition,” Ms Strong said.
“By celebrating National Year of Reading, we highlight the value of reading as an important life skill for the whole hospital community. We look forward to immersing the hospital in a culture of reading throughout 2012 and beyond,” she said.