This summer, from 1 December to 31 January, the Big Summer Read is motivating children and young people to keep turning pages and stay connected with reading, helping combat the “summer slide”. 

East Gippsland Shire Libraries are proud to participate in the Big Summer Read, a collaborative Public Libraries Victoria initiative that ensures all children have access to the resources they need to continue building their reading skills over summer. Open to ages 0–18, the program inspires children and young people to read for pleasure while developing strong literacy foundations. 

The Big Summer Read helps address the “summer slide” by engaging young people in enjoyable, self-motivated reading, supporting literacy development through consistent access to books, and raising awareness of the wide range of free resources, programs, and collections available at local public libraries. 

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said, “Reading is one of the most important skills a child can develop, and the Big Summer Read is a fun way to keep young minds active over the holidays.” 

“We’re proud that East Gippsland Shire Libraries are part of this exciting program, giving every child the chance to explore new stories, earn badges, and enjoy the joy of reading,” the Mayor added. 

Participants can join through the Big Summer Read website, where they can track their reading, earn digital badges, and enter the draw for prizes. Parents and carers are also encouraged to read aloud to younger children, helping build strong early literacy foundations. 

This year, participants will have the option to log either the number of books read or the number of days spent reading, and they may complete both categories if they wish. Logging reading days encourages consistent engagement across the summer, rather than completing all reading in a single session. This approach helps build sustained reading habits that continue beyond the challenge period and ensures equitable participation across age groups and reading abilities, whether a child reads ten books in one day or spends two months on a single book, both represent meaningful engagement. 

To qualify for statewide and national prize draws, participants must either read a minimum of five books or log five days of reading. For every additional five books or five days logged, they receive one extra entry.  This year, four state winners will receive a Zoos Victoria family membership. 

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said, “Whether it’s a single book or a daily reading habit, every page counts. I encourage families to get involved and make reading a fun part of their summer.” 

To learn more or sign up, visit: readbooks.com.au/bsr or drop into your local library.