Over 16,000 children and young people across Victoria have set a new reading record in this year’s Big Summer Read, supported by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne joined Public Libraries Victoria to celebrate a 40 per cent increase in the number of kids registered in this year’s challenge, with over 218,000 books read over the recent school holidays – a 63 per cent increase on last summer.
The Big Summer Read is held from 1 December to 31 January each year and aims to prevent a decrease in kids' reading during school holidays.
The Government’s Premiers’ Reading Challenge complements this effort by encouraging children and students to read books over the year and record their efforts online. Since it began in 2005, more than 4.3 million students have read over 60 million books.
The Challenge is supported by the Government’s Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, which provides $1.1 million for public libraries to purchase books and other materials.
Literacy is supported by free library services including internet and cyber safe education, and the Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program provides funding for libraries to improve their facilities.
The Government has invested more than $47.1 million dollars over the last eight years into 120 library infrastructure projects, with a total project cost of $345.8 million. These projects support libraries to provide services in metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria. For more information about the Big Summer Read visit plv.org.au/projects/big-summer-read
Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“Losing yourself in a good book is a great way to enjoy the summer holidays and develop reading skills, and it’s exciting to see so many young people in our community getting involved in the Big Summer Read.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne
“Reading is one of the most vital skills for kids to learn, and we’re proud to support the Big Summer Read to encourage more reading in the summer school holidays.”
