As Children’s Book Week celebrations wrapped up, the state government is encouraging young people and children to keep reading through the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund.
Local Government Minister Nick Staikos and Footscray MP Katie Hall visited West Footscray Library on Friday, September 22 to announce $1.1 million will be invested to help libraries purchase books through the fund.
“Reading not only supports a lifelong love of learning, but helps kids build important literacy skills that will remain with them for life,” Mr Staikos said.
“Every year, the Premiers’ Reading Challenge publishes a book list of recommended titles – this crucial funding allows Victorian libraries to meet the demand for these books among young readers.”
The annual Premiers’ Reading Challenge encourages children and young people to read a set number of books and record their efforts online.
Since the challenge began in 2005, more than 4.75 million children and young people have turned the pages of more than 65 million books.
Each year, a book list is published as part of the challenge, containing a range of books suited to different reading levels and the fund enables Victoria’s public libraries to purchase many of these books, which are in significant demand.
“Young readers will love the exciting titles in the Premiers’ Reading Challenge lists – this funding will ensure that our libraries in Maribyrnong will be fully stocked with these sought-after books,” Ms Hall said.
The fund also leaves a longer-term legacy of replenishing the stock of books in public libraries for children and young people on an annual basis.
Funding will be provided to councils, regional library corporations, Connected Libraries Ltd, Myli – My Community Library Ltd, Your Library Ltd, and Vision Australia to buy books and materials to support the challenge.
More information: vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge
