News from the Library
Book Week 2026
Mon 24 - Fri 28 August
Book Week is next week and we are having a great time planning fun activities with this year's theme in mind: Symphony of Stories.
Expect lots of musically inspired artwork, activities, competitions and possibly a lunchtime surprise – watch this space! Plus live Instrumental Music in the Library throughout the week.
Mystery Read will also be returning on Thursday – students have to find staff who are reading in the grounds. A literary Where’s Wally!
😊 What are you reading this week?
😊 Look for photos in the next newsletter!
Book Week Video Credits
Lead Vocals: Jaiden Dollery
Backing Vocals: Sophie Jones, Madison White, Maisie Dunlop and Mr Kevin Hawkins
Cast: Mitchell Barclay, Chloe Attard, Ellie McNaught and Mrs Jo Montgomery
Produced by Kevin Hawkins & Nicholetta Rigano
Community Book Club
Next Week!
Wed 26 August, 5pm - 6pm
College Library
We are inviting families, including parents/carers, grandparents & siblings to join us for the launch of our new Community Book Club during Book Week in week 7. We will meet in the College Library every month to discuss a feature book and hear from a panel.
We hope you will join us!
Reading Books Out Loud
I’m currently reading The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon. Subtitled The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction, it is full of inspiring ideas and reasons to read aloud to people of any age. Meghan relates a story of sitting down with students after they had finished a read aloud session with their teacher.
Their answers included:
“When Laura reads out loud to me, my brain shuts out everything else”
“I feel like the main character when someone reads aloud to me”
“When some’s reading to me, I can do deeper thinking about things, like wondering if the tiger was the prince”
“I can be absorbed if I’m reading by myself, but I notice that it’s easier when someone else reads, so my brain doesn’t have to split its attention to the words and what they mean”
Meghan goes on to say that read aloud time is an excellent way to extend attention spans. “In our distracted age, it’s a challenge to keep anyone’s focus. Technology is training us to dart and react like hummingbirds, scrolling, clicking, tweeting, liking.” Setting aside the time to read and be read to is an incomparable gift for everyone participating. Why not give it a try today!
Artisan of the Month and Resident Writers
The latest Artisan of the Month and Resident Writers competitions are closing in the next few weeks. You’ve got to be in it to win it! Send your entries to library@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Joanne Montgomery & Sarah van Doorn
Library Staff