FOR the third year running, the National Library Board (NLB) will run a series of events aimed at encouraging fathers to read to their children.

The month-long 10,000 Fathers Reading! 2009 programme kicks off tomorrow with read-aloud and story-telling sessions. Workshops will also be held to give support to fathers who want to start reading to their children and bond with them.

More than 1,000 participants are expected at the event, held a week ahead of Father's Day on June 21.

Fathers who show up tomorrow will be introduced to 15 dads picked to be reading ambassadors, who will promote reading to the community and encourage fathers and their children to explore the joys of reading together.

Last year, about 18,000 fathers and their family members took part in the month-long events.

The NLB is also inviting fathers and their children to write reviews of the books they have read on specially printed book review cards.

About 250,000 of these have been distributed to kindergartens, primary schools, self-help groups and participating organisations.

The NLB will pick the best ones out of the expected 12,000 entries and compile them into a book for fathers. The book will include children's stories written by some of the reading ambassadors.

10,000 Fathers Reading! 2009 is supported by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports, National Family Council and Oxygen Studio Designs.

The launch of the programme will be at the National Library Building's Event Plaza at 12.30pm. Admission is free.

For further details, visit www.10000fathers.sg

This article was first published in The Straits Times.