Community
13 December, 2024
Chill out at the library this summer
BOOK lovers have the chance to win some great prizes during the BIG Summer Read (BSR) challenge.
Corangamite Moyne Library Service is this year taking part in the challenge, run by Public Libraries Victoria, which encourages young readers to read as many books as they can between December 1 and January 31.
Libraries coordinator Kat Wilson said the challenge was a wonderful opportunity to engage children and teenagers in reading, as well as in the library services.
“The aim of the Big Summer Read is to encourage kids and teens to keep reading all summer long,” Ms Wilson said.
“You can sign up now online or visit your local branch to register.
“We welcome all challenge participants to stop by their local library and discover all the books and other services we offer.”
Branches will also have an ice-cream themed treasure hunt, challenging kids to find clues in the library to go in the draw for some great prizes.
Each branch will have a set of prizes up for grabs for the Big Summer Read.
This includes book vouchers to Collins Warrnambool, vouchers to Timboon Fine Ice Cream and an Ash Barty book set.
Moyne Shire mayor Cr Karen Foster said libraries can have a vital role in early childhood development.
“Programs such as the BSR can help to create a lifelong love of reading and learning,” Cr Foster said.
“And our library services are uniquely positioned to engage children in this fun and dynamic activity.”
The Moyne library branches, except for Port Fairy, will close from Tuesday December 24 and will return to usual hours from Friday, January 3.
The Port Fairy Library will be open with special hours during that period.
The BIG Summer Read encourages children to read for pleasure and addresses the issue of the ‘summer slide.’
This refers to the loss of literacy experienced over the long summer break if children are not exposed to books or reading.
Library members participating in the BSR must be under the age of 18 and must be able to collect their prize from a Corangamite Moyne Library Service branch.
Now in its fourth year, the BSR has grown to include all public library services in Victoria (along with public library services in New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland).
Last year more than 16,000 young readers participated in the challenge and over 220,000 books were read.
For more information and to sign up for the challenge head to https://www.cmlibraries.com.au/WhatOn/BigSummer24-25.
