Big read bigger than ever

A STATEWIDE event calling on kids to read over the summer months has had its biggest year yet, both across Victoria and in Moorabool.

Each year, the Big Summer Read encourages Victorian children to get stuck into books from 1 December to 31 January, when reading numbers usually decrease.

In the latest Big Summer read, over 16,000 children and young people took part in the Big Summer Read, reading more than 218,000 books.

That’s an increase of 40 per cent in the number of kids reading, and a 63 per cent increase in the number of books read, compared to last summer.

And the statewide results were reflected here in Moorabool Shire, with mayor Ally Munari congratulating those who participated and won prizes for their efforts.

“We are so pleased Moorabool residents were as into the Big Summer Read as the rest of the state. Moorabool had close to 160 registered participants – a significant increase from the previous year – reading a very impressive 1,500 books,” Cr Munari said.

“Our library team also hosted some fun Big Summer Read inspired activities, with a scavenger hunt proving the most popular.

“Almost 200 people joined the activity and enjoyed exploring the library. Older kids submitted book reviews of their favourite summer read.

“This year, there were 16 prizes awarded to excited participants, including gift cards to those who read the most books, bookstore vouchers and movie vouchers.

“We look forward to the program continuing and Moorabool residents continuing to embrace it.”

For more information on the Big Summer Read, visit the Public Libraries Victoria website.