Library and Information Week

The Roots of Democracy and the Role of Libraries.

Democracy allows people to have a voice and vote on how they are governed, upholding rights like freedom of speech and the press, and ensuring fair elections. It ensures no one is above the law, distributes power, and protects minority rights. While not perfect, democracy aims for equality, independence and justice.

Libraries support democracy by providing free access to information and fostering an informed citizenry. They are community hubs for learning and engagement, promoting literacy, education, and lifelong learning. By upholding intellectual freedom and privacy, libraries ensure everyone can seek and receive information without censorship, essential for a vibrant democracy.

School libraries, like ours here at Heathmont College, play a critical role in this by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for active citizenship. They offer resources that support the curriculum and encourage independent learning, critical thinking, and informed debate. By providing access to a diverse range of materials and fostering a love of reading, school libraries help students understand and engage with democratic principles from a young age.

Premiers' Reading Challenge

Only two months left in the Premiers' Reading Challenge, so there's still time to finish your books and add to the tally! Hollows is leading the charge, with several students competing for the top prize.

Popular picks include the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Heartstopper series, and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series. Dive into the challenge today for a chance to win prizes!

Children’s Book Week and Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards

Love reading? Then you've probably devoured some amazing Australian books in your time! The CBCA Book of the Year Awards celebrate the very best books written and illustrated by Australians for young people just like you!

These awards have been around since way back in 1946! They recognize incredible authors and illustrators and encourage them to keep creating fantastic stories.

Every year, a shortlist of the best books is chosen. This is a great way to find your next favourite read! We have a selection of books from the shortlist available to borrow at the LRC, and during Library and Information Week and Children’s Book Week, we’ll be showcasing the collection in the LRC and are currently planning a week of games and events to coincide with Children’s Book Week (First week of August).

The Benefits of Reading for Mental Health

Reading for pleasure has proven mental health benefits, including reducing stress and improving sleep. Research highlights its positive impact on wellbeing.

Reducing Stress:

Reading fiction for just five minutes can reduce stress by nearly 20%, according to neuroscience research from the Queen’s Reading Room in the UK. This calming effect occurs almost immediately and helps manage future stress.

Making Us Feel Less Lonely:

Reading fosters connection and reduces loneliness. Frequent fiction readers report feeling less lonely than infrequent readers. It enhances empathy and a sense of belonging, especially for isolated populations. In the UK, 88% of isolated older adults appreciate the social contact from reading-inspired conversation, and 95% of visually impaired individuals read weekly to combat loneliness.

Reducing Our Risk of Depression:

Regular reading correlates with lower depression rates. A 2023 study found that daily readers have a significantly lower risk of depression. For students, reading reduces depression and anxiety, improving mindfulness, optimism, and positive emotions.

Helping Us Get a Better Night’s Sleep:

Reading before bed is popular among Australians. The University of Liverpool in the UK found that 43% of readers report better sleep from reading. Unlike watching TV or using social media, reading provides a mentally engaging relaxation that aids in switching off at night.

Helping Us Understand Difficult Situations:

Books help readers realize others share their experiences, improving their outlook. University of Liverpool research shows 23% of readers feel better after recognizing shared experiences in books. Young people report a better understanding of mental health after reading dedicated collections, and children agree that reading helps them understand the world and current events better.

Garth Nix's Birthday!

Garth Nix, born on 19 July 1963 in Melbourne, is a renowned fantasy author best known for his "Old Kingdom" series, which includes the popular books "Sabriel", "Lirael", and "Abhorsen".
Before becoming a full-time writer, Nix had various roles in the publishing industry, working as a literary agent, book editor, and even served in the Australian Army Reserve.
Nix's books have been translated into 36 languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
His novels have received numerous accolades, including the Aurealis Award for Excellence in Australian Speculative Fiction.
As a young person, Nix was a voracious reader, consuming everything from encyclopaedias to science fiction and fantasy, which laid the foundation for his future writing career.

Melissa Marr's Birthday!

Melissa Marr is a bestselling author known for her urban fantasy novels, particularly the "Wicked Lovely" series for young adults.
She writes fiction for various age groups, including adults, teens, and children, and her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Marr's debut novel, "Wicked Lovely", became a New York Times bestseller and launched a successful multi-book series.
In addition to fantasy, Marr has written thrillers, which are described as a contemporary, with chilling twists.
Despite being voted "most likely to end up in jail" in high school, Marr went on to become a university literature instructor before focusing on her writing career

LRC Team

Heathmont College

Community Mentions & Notices

A Journey Through History and Community