Kids could be paid to read books

If you love reading then you might be a bit miffed by this - it looks like kids in a town in Spain are going to be paid to read books!

The mayor there is so worried that kids aren't doing well at school, that he wants to pay them to go to the library.

To pick up the cash, children in Noblejas will have to go to their local library or school library, and will be watched reading books or studying.

They will be paid one euro - which is around 75p - an hour, just for reading!

But the mayor's plans have caused a bit of a row, because not everyone thinks it's a good idea to pay kids to read.

Do YOU think it's a good idea? Click here to vote!

An 11-year-old girl at one school said people would go to the library just for the money, and not because they liked studying.

Maria Canada Campos said she thought the cash could be spent on something better, like parks for children.

The kids will get around 75p an hour for their piggy banks!

Some mums also said their kids would only go to the library to get the cash.

But other children said it could get kids hooked on reading, and they were happy with the idea of being given cash to study.

Rewarded

The Mayor, Agustin Jimenez, said children were getting out of the habit of studying, and they should be rewarded for working.

The plan has to be approved by the town's local council in March before it can go ahead.

Unfortunately this topic is now closed but there are Comments pages on other subjects on the main Chat index.

Your comments

"I think it's a good idea. If kids get into the habit of picking up books then they are more likely to pick one up at home."

Jessica, 11, Gilmorton, England

"I don't think kids should be paid to read because they can't get paid for the rest of their lives. Once the money stops they'll stop too."

Shonagh, 13, Donegal, Ireland

"It is a good way to make money, but after you have read a book you should be asked a few questions about it."

August, 10, Southampton, England

"I think it's stupid to get paid to read - it's meant to be a hobby. Anyway, kids would just go to the library to get money while they "study" when they really have a magazine under their book or are passing notes. It's unfair because I could be VERY rich by now."

Rosy, 12, London, England

"It's hard to decide what is right and what is wrong, because the idea could get children into reading but the money could also be spent on something more useful."

Jodie, 13, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

"The whole idea of giving kids money to read is ludicrous! The whole point of reading is to get yourself away from the TV to enjoy life through a different perspective, not to become rich!"

Melissa, 13, Cumbria, England

"I think it's a waste of money paying kids to read!! What's next? Being paid to walk to school?"

Iain, 13, Bracknell, England

"I think it's really stupid for children to get paid for reading. It's just a waste of money and besides, your parents pay you for good things like cleaning the house or cleaning your room. It's better than sitting around reading just for money."

Warona, 11, Nuneaton, England

"I think it's really silly. I would happily read a book for no money. It's like they want their kids to be greedy money victims. How strange."

Darcy, 10, Bristol, England

"I think it is disgraceful that we should pay children to read books because they probably won't read them. The money could be spent on better facilities for children who need them."

Conner, 10, Manchester, England

"I think children should not be paid to read - it is a hobby not a chore."

Sadie, 10, Shrewsbury, England

"Kids should be paid to read books because it could make them read more and have their own money. Then they don't have to ask their parents for money."

Hannah, 10, Sutton, England

"I think it is not a good idea because I will read books and I enjoy them (most of the time!) People should take time to read off their own back."

Chloe, 11, Worksop, England

"I think it's no good. Children might go but it doesn't mean that they'll read."

Pauline, 13, England

"I think it is a good idea but should be rewarded in a different way! The money could be put towards something fun like a club!"

Rebecca, 12, London, England

"I think it's a good idea - it will encourage more people to read and, if they enjoy it, with the money they get they could buy their own books."

Lora, 13, Rosyth, Scotland

"I love reading and I don't think people should be paid to read because reading should be something you want to do not to earn money. My class always gets told off FOR reading."

Saher, 11, Scunthorpe, England

"Yes children should be able to get paid to read because we do it outside of school."

Sonia, 9, Chippenham, England

"I can't believe that, children shouldn't be paid to read, it should be about having fun and excitement about the story."

Jasmine, 14

"I read about 2 books a week so at the end of my life I could be a millionaire. It's stupid that some people have to be paid to read!!!"

Laura, 12, Cheltenham, England

"I can't believe that! I would be rich now if I was paid to read books. I read a book a week!"

Beth, 10

"I can't believe kids need to be paid to read! I love getting my nose buried in a good book, it sparks my imagination and sometimes I can see the stories more vividly than if I were watching them on TV!!"

Sarah, 12

"I think it is a silly idea that children should get paid to read because they will expect to get paid for anything related to school and they should just read to be educated, and that is its own reward."

Hannah, 13

"I think that paying children to read is a waste of money. They should find other ways to get children to read."

Alex, 6

"I think that it is a good idea to pay people to read because they will read more."

Ben, 7

"I think kids should be paid to read, although children will just go to the library to get paid, it will encourage children to go to their local library and get reading!!!"

Lauren, 11

"Kids in Spain should not be paid to read books as it then becomes a chore rather then a pleasurable experience."

Tommy, 12

"I think that kids shouldn't be paid to read because reading can be a hobby so it's not very fair to pay people just to read."

Ryan, 12