The new program is called 1000 Books After School and has the same reading milestones of 50, 100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 books for which the children are given certificates.

Librarian Christiane Birkett said the new program had been introduced because parents had been asking about reading activities for their older children.

“It’s to keep up good reading habits,” Mrs Birkett said.

The program was launched on Tuesday morning after certificates were presented to children for the 1000 Books Before School program, which was established 15 months ago.

Among those who were awarded for reading milestones were William Stevenson, Bobbie and Darcie Crane, Amber King, Eva Payne, Calvin Law, Thomas Martin, Jake and Violet Grace, Nicola Sawyer and Stella Goodall.

Calvin Law has previously read 1000 books and is undertaking the program a second time, already reaching a milestone of 100 books.

The certificates were awarded by Gunnedah Shire mayor Owen Hasler who said he complimented the library on the initiatives.

“The [1000 Books] Before School program has been very well received,” Councillor Hasler said.

“The exposure to a program like this really reinforces the value of reading.”

Children can join the reading programs at any time of the year. For more information, contact the library on 6740 2190.