Tomorrow, Friday December 5, 2014, the Write to Read programme will be launching the first ever Christmas Reading Campaign in the Territory entitled Books Mean More. Photo: Provided

Books Mean More will help to improve reading standards in the Virgin Islands by igniting a culture of reading. Therefore, through the Christmas Reading Campaign, Write to Read will have stimulating and quality texts for purchase on the 5th & 6th of December at Christmas on de Castro Street. These books include world renowned bestselling brands Scholastic, I Can Read, Step into Reading and Stepping Stone. There will be books for children of all ages; from babies to teenagers. Photo: Provided

Some of the titles that are available for purchase. Photo: Provided

Creator of Write to Read, Ms. Sharie B. de Castro explained that this campaign will be launched at her booth “Bows and Books”, shared with twin sister Sharia de Castro, owner of The Bowtique at Christmas on de Castro Street. Photo: Provided

Creator of Write to Read, Ms. Sharie B. de Castro explained that this campaign will be launched at her booth “Bows and Books”, shared with twin sister Sharia de Castro, owner of The Bowtique at Christmas on de Castro Street. 

Write to Read is a literacy programme that focuses on an individual’s right to read and write in order to meet the great demand that has arisen in our Territory. Write to Read’s mission is to make reading a national priority.  

The aim of this Christmas Reading Campaign is to challenge parents to buy at least one book for each child to put underneath the Christmas tree. “Along with the gadgets, games and toys, exciting and interesting children’s books would be a great addition to your Christmas list and will play a vital role in your child’s development as a reader and achiever”, said Ms. de Castro.  

Books Mean More will help to improve reading standards in the Virgin Islands by igniting a culture of reading. Therefore, through the Christmas Reading Campaign, Write to Read will have stimulating and quality texts for purchase on the 5th & 6th of December at Christmas on de Castro Street. These books include world renowned bestselling brands Scholastic, I Can Read, Step into Reading and Stepping Stone. There will be books for children of all ages; from babies to teenagers.  

Parents will you accept the Challenge? 

Ms de Castro further explained, “Parents your commitment to accept this challenge by purchasing books from Write to Read to give to child for the holiday season will actively engage you in this critical cause of literacy.”  

As the young visionary behind Write to Read, Ms de Castro believes that reading is the foundation of learning and has an impact on every area of Virgin Islands (VI) life. She said, “Our democracy, our economy and the quality of our daily lives are all enhanced by reading well and critically. Reading also preserves the culture for the next generation and creates a shared connection to the community.”  

Write to Read would like to challenge every parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, Godparent and mentor in the VI to take part in this movement to make reading a national priority by igniting a culture of reading in the VI. 

Write to Read would like to recognize the Honourable Alvera Maduro Caines (R6), Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3) and Caribbean Security Limited for partnering with the Books Mean More Christmas Reading Campaign to donate books to children all over the Territory this holiday Season. If you are interested in partnering with this Campaign please feel free to contact Ms. de Castro for more details.