TO share the joy of books with children is the aim of a reading festival to be held in Victoria Park a week tomorrow.

The Bermuda Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host its sixth festival on Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"We want to be able to share the joy, adventure and excitement that come from reading with the children who attend our reading festival," education chairperson Jana Lambert said.

"Sadly, many children's homes do not have child appropriate books. This means that in many cases books are not a part of a child's home life.

"By giving a complimentary book to each child, we hope to help start a collection, or add to an existing library."

Parents will be encouraged to read to their children at the event, with the aim of encouraging children to pick up a book for themselves.

Other fun activities will include drawing, colouring and creative writing at a creative arts station.

There will also be face painting and a bouncy castle. Free beverages and popcorn will be available.

Chapter president Bridget Johnson said: "We will provide an atmosphere at the festival where parents can see their children reading and enjoying the stories. We wish to demonstrate that reading has far-reaching and positive benefits for everyone including children.

"Children can comprehend at a level higher than their reading ability.

"Parents reading to their children will introduce new words to their child's vocabulary, while stimulating and enhancing fluency in reading and literacy."

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded at Howard University, Washington DC in 1913 and is dedicated to the idea of sisterhood, scholarship and service.

Sponsors of the event include the XL Foundation, Bacardi International Ltd., Bank of Bermuda Foundation, Tyco International, Mobility, Butterfield Bank, Fidelity International Ltd., Renaissance Re, Max Re, LOM Securities (Bermuda) Ltd. and the Kardias Club.