1 . Some libraries use unique architecture to encourage visitors to explore the bookshelves and settle down with a new book, or use roving libraries to bring books to hard-to-reach populations. No matter how they achieve it, these novel libraries are keeping the magic of reading alive.
Bishan Library (Singapore)
Built in 2006, this library with skylights and trellises, is meant to invoke a modern glass treehouse. Glass pods of varying colors stick out of the building randomly to create cozy yet airy corners for reading throughout the building. At the same time, a more open-plan children’s room on the basement level invites interaction while preventing noise from filtering upward and disturbing those concentrating in the lofty perches above.
Stuttgart City Library (Stuttgart, Germany)
Opened in 2011, this nine-story public library is characterized by its attractive white color scheme (lit by blue light at night), its bold cubic shape. This cultural center for the city, designed to feel open and full of light, can be entered from any of its four sides, and people can borrow artwork as well as books.
The Camel Library Service (North Eastern Province, Kenya)
To combat low literacy rates in the desert of Kenya, the government created a roaming library composed of nine camels bringing books to villages. The library travels four days a week serving the region’s nomadic people. With more funding, they plan to increase their reach both in distance and the books they carry.
Macquarie University Library (Sydney, Australia)
A wonderful combination of cutting-edge and sustainable ideas, this building was made from recycled materials, features a green roof, and was designed to look like the shape of a eucalyptus tree. It is also state of the art, using robot cranes to bring requested books to the front desk.
1. Which of the following can offer the service of lending artwork?A.Bishan Library. | B.Stuttgart City Library. |
C.The Camel Library Service. | D.Macquarie University Library. |
A.It is intelligent and environmentally-friendly. |
B.It has a green roof and a eucalyptus tree outside. |
C.It is like a modern glass treehouse with skylights. |
D.It opens four days a week serving the local people. |
A.prevent noise |
B.recycle old books |
C.encourage reading |
D.present beautiful appearances |
2 . Looking for books suitable for your juniors? Here are what our editors recommend:
Room for Everyone
Musa and Dada drive to the shore — but the bus stops many times: “You need a ride? Come in! There’s still room!” One stop becomes two stops which soon becomes ten, and the bus is overcrowded, but there’s always room for one more if you make the room, making this trip a joyous tale.
Author: Naaz Khan
Reading age: 4 - 8
Wonder
Auggie Pullman was born with a facial difference which prevents him from going to a mainstream school. Entering a new school, he wants nothing more than to be treated normally — but his new classmates can’t ignore his extraordinary face. Auggie is a hero to prove that you can’t give in when you were born to stand out.
Author: R. J. Palacio
Reading age: 8 - 12
Starfish Hardcover
Ellie is tired of being fat and she’s found her safe space — her swimming pool — where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. In the water, she can stretch herself out like a starfish and take up all the room she wants. Finally, with the support of those loving her, Ellie might be able to be a starfish in real life — by being her own excellent self.
Author: Lisa Fipps
Reading age: 10 - 13
Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer
Lynne Cox started swimming almost as soon as she could walk. By age sixteen, she had broken all records for swimming the English Channel. She narrowly escaped a shark attack, and was cheered across the Cook Strait by dolphins. She even swam a mile in the Antarctic. Lynne writes the same way she swims, with tough spirit and joy.
Author: Lynne Cox
Reading age: 14 - 18
1. Who are the target readers of this text?A.Teenagers. | B.Parents. | C.Booksellers. | D.Editors. |
A.Their schooling. | B.Their appearance. |
C.Their weight. | D.Their friendship. |
A.Naaz Khan’s. | B.R. J. Palacio’s. | C.Lisa Fipps’s. | D.Lynne Cox’s. |
Have you ever had problems in your life? Have you ever wondered how to be happy? If so, you will find the book Being a Happy Teenager
About problems with parents and friends, the book says we should stop
Many teenagers think that
4 . Having your nose in a book might seem a little anti-social at times — but reading could actually make you a kinder, more considerate person, a study has found. Readers were more likely to act in a socially acceptable manner, while those who preferred watching television came across as less friendly and less understanding of
others' views, researchers said.
123 participants in the study were quizzed on their preferences for books, TV and plays at Kingston University, London. They were then tested on how much they considered people's feelings and whether they acted to help others. Researchers told the British Psychological Society conference in Brighton yesterday that fiction fans showed more positive social behavior.
Readers of drama and romance novels were also empathic, while lovers of experimental books showed the ability to see things from different directions. Comedy fans scored the highest for relating to others. The study suggested reading allows people to see different points of view, enabling them to understand others better.
The researchers added, “Exposure to fiction relates to a range of empathetic abilities. Engaging with fictional prose and comedy in particular could be key to improving people's empathetic abilities.”
However, the authors warned the study did not prove cause-and-effect. So it could be that reading causes positive behavior, or it could be that thoughtful, well-mannered people are more likely to prefer reading. So it is a good idea to pick up a book to begin your travel with the author. Each author will show how they would react to certain situations or confrontations through their characters. Everyone can view the same situation differently, and from 1001 different angles. The more you read, the much better you can understand other peoples' opinions.
1. What do we know about reading according to Paragraph 1?A.It contributes more to one's anti-social role. |
B.It is of rare benefit to readers. |
C.It is related to one's social position. |
D.It can add to one's social adaptability. |
A.the way to improve reading skills |
B.the influence of their preferences |
C.the places to get new books |
D.the time of reading books |
A.Understanding. | B.Mad. |
C.Sorrowful. | D.Delighted. |
A.To react to certain situations. |
B.To understand peoples' opinions. |
C.To persuade people to read. |
D.To show how to begin travels. |
5 . World Read Aloud Day
The website asks visitor