Editorial: Full house at library joy to see

Linda Hall.

My heart sang when I saw the gorgeous photos of all the children at the Hastings Library Holiday programme.

Take that Pokemon-Go.

The written word, along with colouring-in books, blocks and Lego, reigned supreme in libraries across the region this school holidays as children flocked in to enjoy the special programmes.

Admittedly some were there for the free Wi-Fi and internet access but in an age of computer screens getting children into libraries is so important.

It's there, if they haven't already, they discover the wonder of books. The feel, the smell, the sense of excitment on opening a book and discovering untold stories.

Doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, a library is a special place where you can lose yourself in fantasy, fiction, and mystery - or if you are a grown-up a bit of romance.

Every child should be introduced to the delights of a library and Hawke's Bay is lucky enough to have several wonderful libraries.

They are a place of peace and quiet, although I'm sure they not during the holiday programmes.

However, they are places you expect to be quiet. You don't expect a school to be a quiet place though.

I've never been to a quiet assembly in my life. So I was amazed to read that a school in Australia has banned clapping because some children don't like the loud noise.

Unbelievable. Children at the primary school are allowed to show their appreciation by wriggling about on the spot (how will teachers know when they need the loo now), pumping the air with their fist or "pulling an excited face" (hope the wind doesn't change).

That new rule can stay right where it is - across the ditch.