Library 

Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge

Article by Mrs Maria Muse, Library Leader, Canowindra Campus

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge was a successful program in the Junior School Library in 2026. This year, 144 eager readers took part in the reading challenge. In total they read 4,782 books. Many students also submitted book reviews, which are then available on the Premiers’ Reading Challenge website for other students to consider when selecting their next book to read.

Across Victoria, more that 69,000 students took part and read more that 2.8 million books! In his closing message, Premier Ben Carroll, thanked Victorian families for encouraging their children to embrace the reading challenge and discover the joys of sharing book as a family. The Premiers’ Reading Challenge is one mechanism families can use to create those special moments of reading together.

The library staff at Overnewton concur with the Premier’s sentiments and would like to thank the parents for supporting their young readers at home. Research has shown that 86% of children aged 6-17 enjoy being read to aloud because it serves as a special bonding time with parents (Australia Reads, June 2026). Recreational reading, or reading for pleasure, has many proven benefits. These include improved cognitive performance, language development and academic achievement. Voluntary reading is also linked to fewer mental health problems, less screen time and better sleep. Participation in the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is one tool to encourage your children to read for pleasure.

Students were presented with their Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge certificates during their library sessions. The Certificate of Achievement is signed by the current and former Premiers of Victoria. Congratulations to all the Junior School students who participated. 

Reference: Australia Reads, “Key statistics on reading”. Updated June 2026. Accessed 13 October, 2026 here