Young readers in south-west Victoria are set to benefit from an added $44,635 in funding for local libraries from the Andrews Labor Government’s 2022-23 Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced the funding which will enable libraries to purchase books on the suggested reading list for the 2023 Premiers’ Reading Challenge.
Each year, the Premiers’ Reading Challenge encourages children and young people across Victoria to read a set number of books, with a published list containing a range of 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.
The Government’s support will help libraries to purchase the books listed, allowing them to grow their collections for young people to enjoy now and into the future.
Since the Premiers’ Reading Challenge first began in 2005, it has helped teachers and parents inspire more than 3.5 million young Victorians to read more than 54 million books.
Victoria’s public libraries make a real difference to individuals and communities across the state – more than two million members borrow more than 30 million books each year.
Since 2014, the Government has invested more than $47.1 million dollars into 120 library infrastructure projects, allowing a combined total investment with local councils of $345.8 million.
The Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund allocations are provided to local councils, regional library corporations, My Community Library (Myli) and Vision Australia.
For more information on the Government’s support for libraries including the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/funding-programs/public-library-funding.
Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Visiting the library and reading books are 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.”
“I’m excited this funding will help the local libraries throughout Victoria’s south-west purchase even more books for young readers to enjoy so they can develop a lifelong love of reading.”
