An orientation was held yesterday for contestants in the National Library’s annual Champion Reader Competition, which will begin on July 9.
Registration for the competition, which is being sponsored by Digicel, starts from Monday, when contestants will be given the first recommended book in their various categories.
The orientation was held yesterday at the library’s conference room, where contestants were briefed on the importance of the competition and the rules guiding their participation.
Francica Burgess, the Head of the Juvenile Department and one of the coordinators of the competition, said that the competition saw over thirty applications. “We are looking for good knowledge of the books,” Burgess mentioned, adding that the competition is divided into five categories; 9 to 11 years, 12 to 14 years, 15 to 17 years, 18 to 25 years and 26 years and above. She said that the library is hoping to see the top score surpass last years’ 89 percent.
Inmates of the George-town, New Amsterdam, Lugisnan and Timehri prisons, will also be competing among themselves to be the prisons’ champion reader, said Margaret Eastman, the National Library’s Extension Activities Coordinator.
She said that all contestants would have read six books, recommended for the various categories, when the competition ends. Two books are to be read per round, followed by an oral and a written assessment. However, in the case of the prison competition, inmates, whose registration started in February, have three months to read the six books.
Eastman, encouraged those gathered at the orientation to see themselves as winners, for being a part of the competition. She told them that the competition is “life-changing,” and is a part of the library’s goals to see “Guyana’s level of literacy sky-rocket.”
Eastman also challenged the younger participants to challenge their parents and other siblings to join the competition. Further, she urged the attentive audience to “read with a purpose,” as she opined, “It brings out a part of you.”
In the oral segment, contestants will be judged on their ability to clearly recite an extract from one of the books read and give dramatic effect while reading for a maximum of 20 points. Additionally, contestants are required to answer 20 questions on the books read, to test their knowledge of the text, awareness of literary techniques used and comprehension of the texts, for a maximum of 80 points.
To pass the preliminary round, Burgess said, participants need to gain at least 79% and in the semifinal they must attain 80% or more in order to advance to the final round of competition.
In addition to the $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 first, second and third prizes, respectively, this year’s champion reader in the senior category, will be given a grand prize trip to a resort in Guyana.
Ashieka Francois, the 2012 National Library Champion reader, described the competition as fierce but rewarding. “Reading is fun and I have gained knowledge from it throughout the years,” the avid reader explained, while adding that her love for books has increased as well as so her ability to debate on various topics.
It took Francois three attempts in the competition before she finally won. This year she has entered the 18-25 category and hoped to become the Champion Reader a second time.
