The Little Stars Library is an initiative aimed at empowering children and fostering in them a love for reading. On the 3rd of May 2016, a large selection of children’s books was donated by the general public to the Foundation for Wellbeing of Society. Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca launched the Little Stars Library in the presence of a number of school children.
President Coleiro Preca said the library was given the ‘Little Stars’ name because every time children read a book they become stars themselves and increase their level of knowledge, to become even brighter stars. The Former President stressed the importance of reading, as this will help children progress in life, to become future leaders, using the knowledge that they would have gained from reading.
Children were encouraged to browse, select and take their chosen book/s home. On special occasions, children’s books authors were invited to meet with the children. The President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society collaborated with the National Literacy Agency to incorporate the Read with Me Sessions at the Little Stars Library, to provide the best reading experience to children of all ages. Children also had the opportunity to read in an informal learning environment in the President’s private garden.
In April 2020, during the early stages of the pandemic, on World Book Day, The Little Stars Library Il-Librerija tal-Istellini delivered reading books and a dose of cheer to families’ homes together with emergency food packs.
Foundation chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said: “Books have always been very dear to me and we are hoping that this initiative will kindle a love for reading in children who have no access to books.”
“Words are the building blocks of life and leisurely reading during these difficult times of physical distancing may also provide a space for children to discover companionship in the wonderful world of books and reading,” Ms Coleiro Preca said.
