COPING WITH BORED KIDS

Why do most parents find that getting their kids to read is a chore? Is it because kids find books a big bore? We hope not. The problem, we reckon, lies with its packaging. Watching the tube, playing with dolls and GI Joes appear infinitely more appealing for kids because this is a great way to pass time. With a little bit of effort on our part, we can get them to consider reading an equally enjoyable leisure activity. Here's a tip. Make them members of a library. And by that we do not mean the one down the road that stocks an assortment of magazines, comics, best sellers and an entire wall dedicated to romantic novels. We are talking Library with a capital 'L'. The kind that evokes a sense of awe and admiration. The welcoming, not intimidating sort, like The British Council perhaps. In fact methinks it's a great idea to check out the children's library there. Get them their ow

n membership card and see how important and responsible they feel. Make the visit to the library an event, get other kids to enroll and occasionally let them go there in the company of friends.

Interested? Here's more info. The British Council's Children's Library Membership is open to children between 5-15 years of age. Parents have to be members of the library. The fee is Rs 550/-per year. Children can borrow two books and one video from the junior section for a period of four weeks.The library has an exhaustive collection of books on varied subjects and an impressive reference section. Special programmes are organised for members: story- telling sessions, quiz programmes, drawing competitions are just a few.

Address: The British Library, 917/1 Fergusson College Road, Shivajinagar,
Pune 411 004;
Phone: 565 4351/2
Email: bl.pune@in.britishcouncil.org