Celebrating Book Week 2023, nurturing the love of reading
Over 1500 students have passed through our library’s doors in the last month and even more are expected to visit in celebration of Book Week 2023 which has been extended to 5 weeks across Wingecarribee Public Libraries. It’s been an opportunity to foster the love of reading with the younger members of our community with 74 classes from local schools participating.
Australia-wide, August marks the annual Book Week celebrations of outstanding children’s books and their creators. Participating schools, teachers and libraries offer interactive sessions, creative displays and friendly competitions to cultivate curiosity and inspire young people to enjoy reading.
This year’s Book Week theme, is “READ, GROW, INSPIRE,” which is used to encourage lifelong learning and reading.
For some children, the only opportunity to visit a library is with their school. “We appreciate Council extending this year’s Book Week to allow more time for groups of students to be coordinated to take part,” says Cindy Gardiner, Teacher-Librarian, Bowral Public School.
“The Wingecarribee Shire Council libraries are such a great resource for them, as they offer an extension of our own collection beautifully. It’s important for young people to know what they can tap into through their local library.”
WSC’s Children and Youth Librarian Trudy Eccleston says hosting so many students over the past few weeks has been rewarding. “It’s been hectic but it’s lovely to see how much the students got out of their Book Week experience with us ,” Trudy says. “Many told us they were going to ask Mum and Dad to bring them in more often, and as many as 29 new junior members have returned with their families to join the library.”
The Book Week activities provided an occasion for students to explore their local library and learn about the different collections available including audio books, DVD’s, Graphic Novels, and a Young Adult collection. They were introduced to the wide range of e-resources available via the library’s website and invited to get involved with a number of different library programs such as Summer Reading Club, Winter Reading Challenge, Holiday Activities, Monthly colouring competition and an annual writing competition.
“We’re looking forward to seeing more of Wingecarribee’s young people visiting our libraries to pursue the joy of reading and knowledge-seeking they’ve re-discovered through their time with us during our 5-week celebrations,” Trudy says.
A highlight of Book Week is the announcement of winners and honour awards for the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year categories on August 18th. These accolades recognise authors and illustrators who ignite a lifelong love for reading. For more details and inspiration, visit CBCA Winners 2023.
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