By Dora Houpis
Young readers are set to benefit from an added $32,062 in funding for Melton and Moorabool libraries as part of the state government’s Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne and Melton MP Steve McGhie announced the funding on Monday, October 10 that will enable libraries to purchase books on the suggested reading list for the 2023 Premiers’ Reading Challenge.
Mr McGhie said the funding would be a boost for local libraries.
“I’m excited this funding will help the local libraries in Melton and Moorabool purchase even more books for young readers to enjoy so they can develop a lifelong love of reading,” he said.
Ms Horne said visiting libraries and reading books were 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,” she said.
Each year, the Premiers’ Reading Challenge encourages children and students to read a set number of books and record their efforts online.
The challenge includes a published list containing 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.
This week’s funding announcement will help libraries to purchase the books listed, allowing them to grow their collections for young people.
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.
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund allocations are provided to local councils, regional library corporations, My Community Library (Myli) and Vision Australia.
Details: www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/funding-programs/publiclibrary-funding
