Young readers in northern Victoria are set to benefit from close to $22,000 in funding for local libraries from the state government’s 2022-23 Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced the funding, which will enable libraries to purchase books on the suggested reading list for the 2023 Premiers’ Reading Challenge.
“I’m excited this funding will help the local libraries in the area purchase even more books for young readers to enjoy, so they can develop a lifelong love of reading,” Ms Symes said.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne said Benalla Rural City Council would receive $6302 as part of the program.
“Visiting the library and reading books are favourite childhood memories for many Victorians. I’m proud that we can support public libraries so that no child misses out on the Premiers’ Reading Challenge — or the joy of books,” Ms Horne said.
“The Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund builds on the Victorian Government's strong commitment to local libraries and communities.”
Each year the Premiers’ Reading Challenge encourages children and students to read a set number of books and record their efforts online.
It encourages children and young people across Victoria to read a set number of books, with a published list containing a range of books suited to different reading levels.
Public libraries play an important role during the challenge, with many young readers visiting their local library to access the books included on the list.
The government’s support will help libraries to purchase the books listed, allowing them to grow their collections for young people to enjoy now and into the future.
Since the Premiers’ Reading Challenge began in 2005, it has helped teachers and parents inspire more than 3.5 million young Victorians to read more than 54 million books.
For more information on the government’s support for libraries, including the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/funding-programs/public-library-funding