The state government is encouraging young Victorians to get their hands on a new book this year and participate in the Premiers’ Reading Challenge.
The annual Premiers’ Reading Challenge encourages children and young people across Victoria to read a set number of books, with a published list of titles suited to different reading abilities.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne has announced that over $1 million will be going towards supporting public libraries, such as Shepparton Library, across the state.
The support will assist libraries in purchasing some of the required books that are featured on the published list of books for those taking part in the challenge.
Public libraries play an important role during this time of year, as many participants visit their local libraries to collect the books they need for the challenge.
Public libraries are highly valued by families across the state – almost two million members borrow more than 30 million books each year.
The government has invested more than $49 million into 139 library infrastructure projects just in the past nine years.
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge launched in 2005, and since then, it has helped teachers and parents inspire more than 4.3 million young Victorians to read more than 60 million books.
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund supports local councils, regional library corporations, My Community Library (known as Myli) and Vision Australia.
Felix Harding is a Greater Shepparton Secondary College student currently completing work experience with The News.