Published 11th August 2010, 12:18pm

Chrisann Haughton and Kody Wright took top prizes in the Cayman Islands Public Library Service's recent summer reading challenge. Together, the two read a record-making 246 books - in only two weeks. Nine-year-old Chrisann was the top overall and also top female reader, after ploughing through 164 books. Eleven-year-old Kody took the top prize for boys during the same period, after reading 82 books. In addition to achievement certificates, both youngsters took home gift certificates for swimming lessons, sponsored by Fitness Connection. The challenge was part of the library's recently concluded Make a Splash - Read! summer reading programme, held annually. This year, it attracted more than 250 children to Cayman's six public libraries. During the programme, participants were treated to enlightening talks about sharks, turtles, surfing, and Cayman's environment, and attended field trips including a Nautilus Submarine dive, and a Boatswain's Beach visit. Thanking the community for their support, Acting Library Director Juliet Lawson said: "Many individuals and businesses in the Cayman Islands community generously gave prizes, amazing discounts, and snacks. Many others too took the time to either listen to the children read, or just sit and read with them." Community Librarian Deborah Powery-Zureigat added, "Our children were not only surrounded by the opportunity to borrow good books, but to see positive adults in their community who value reading." Miss Lawson thanked this year's major sponsors: LIME, Cayman National, Caledonian Bank, and the Department of Children and Family Services. She also thanked the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Lions Club, Rotaract, Rotary Sunrise, and Rotary Central for their many volunteers who read to, and with, the children. The summer reading programme is free to children ages five to 14 years. Companies and individuals interested in sponsoring next year's programme may call either Juliet Lawson or Deborah Powery-Zureigat on 949-5159. (GIS)