Library Bytes

Anzac Day - 25 April 2026

At the end of Term 1, as part of our Makerspace activities, students were invited to “Create a Poppy” using a variety of creative techniques including papercraft, crochet and knitting. We were delighted to showcase our collaborative display for Anzac Day in the front foyer of the library.

Term 2

As we near the halfway point of Term 2, we have seen a significant change in the weather, which means an increase in patronage by students in the library for us.

Exams

With mid-year exams fast approaching, the demand for study space in the library has been overwhelming. It has been wonderful to see so many students making use of the space for both independent and collaborative study sessions, demonstrating their commitment to learning and preparation.

Monday & Fridays

Tuesday Lunchtimes

In Term 2 we welcome back weekly sessions of Chess Club - this takes place at lunchtimes in the Learning Strategies space on Tuesdays.

Makerspace for Term 2

Each Wednesday at lunchtime, our Makerspace activities provide students with a range of creative opportunities throughout the term. From hands-on crafts to collaborative projects, there is something for everyone to enjoy — please see the Term Planner below for upcoming activities.

National Sorry Day - 26 May 2026

National Sorry Day held every year on 26 May, acknowledges the Stolen Generations – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families. On this day, we remember the painful history and the lasting impact of past government policies on families and communities. We also honour the strength and courage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging the healing that comes from saying sorry and facing the past together.

It also marks the day the landmark "Bringing Them Home" report was tabled in Federal Parliament in 1997. This was the first chance for survivors to tell their stories and have their pain publicly acknowledged.

National Reconciliation Week - 27 May - 3 June 2026

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for us all to learn, reflect, and take action to create a more just and inclusive Australia, acknowledging the unique histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June, marking both the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo decision – two key moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week this year is 'All In'. It calls on all of us to commit to reconciliation everyday by moving from intention into action. It reminds us that reconciliation is a shared responsibility and we all have a role in building a future grounded in truth, respect and equity.

Four Ways to Help Teens Fall in Love With Reading Again

(The following excerpts have been taken from recent reports/articles on "How to encourage reading in teenagers", resources have been listed at the end.)

In today’s world of endless social media feeds, streaming services, and constant notifications, it’s easy for teenagers to forget the simple joy of getting lost in a good book. Nurturing a love of reading doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be a delightful journey back to wonder, imagination, and even beliefs.

If you’re a parent or guardian looking to gently reignite that spark, here are four practical ways to help your child rediscover the magic of reading.

Start with what they already love

Books don’t have to be classics or bestsellers to spark interest. If your teen is into Marvel, Minecraft, or The Mandalorian, there’s likely a novel, graphic novel or companion book to match.

“Reading for pleasure often dips in the teenage years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean teens aren’t reading, perhaps just differently,”

By tapping into pop culture, parents can help turn “I don’t like reading” into “Wait, there’s a book about that?”

📚 Recommended reads:

Star Wars: Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston – Fills in the story between the Clone Wars and Rebels with strong themes of courage, identity, and justice.
Minecraft: The Island by Max Brooks – A survival adventure written in a fun, accessible style that mirrors the game’s challenges.
Halo: The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund – A deeper dive into the lore of the game, great for sci-fi fans who might not pick up traditional novels.

Let them choose their books

Young people are far more likely to pick up a book when it feels like their choice.

“Reluctant readers often become engaged readers when they’re given the freedom to choose books that reflect their interests or personal experiences,”

“What resonates with one student might fall flat for another, because reading is deeply personal. Some students want to escape into imagined worlds, while others are drawn to biographies or real-life stories.”

📚 Recommended reads:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – A powerful story about words, resistance, and compassion, set in WWII Germany.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan – Fast-paced and funny, this series blends mythology with modern life and is great for reluctant readers.

Connect books with movies

Watching a film adaptation can spark your teen’s interest in the book, and the fun challenge of deciding who did it better often leads to great conversations about story and values.

“The key is recognising that there’s no single type of book that ‘works’ for all teenagers so we should encourage exploration and give young people access to a variety of texts and genres.”

📚

Recommended reads (and watches):

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson – A moving story of friendship, loss, and the power of imagination.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis – A classic series rich in allegory and symbolism.

Explore Audiobooks and other formats

Reading doesn’t always have to mean turning pages. Audiobooks are a fantastic alternative for teens who find traditional reading difficult or who simply enjoy listening on the go.

“Audiobooks can enrich the reading experience by modelling rhythm, tone, and phrasing, elements that bring a story to life,” says Jacqueline.

“For some students, listening first can build comprehension and make it easier to approach the written text with greater fluency and enjoyment. Audiobooks provide an inclusive way for all students to participate in discussions about books and literature, especially those who might otherwise feel left behind.”

🎧 Listening suggestions:

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer – Action-packed and humorous, with a great narration.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – A charming classic, beautifully brought to life in audio form.

Final Word

There’s no such thing as the perfect book, just the right story at the right moment. Think less about finding the ultimate page-turner, and more about building a personal library, one discovery at a time.

“Give teenagers access to a wide range of texts and encourage them to explore different genres, forms, and topics at their own pace.”

Reading isn’t just a school skill, it’s a doorway to empathy, creativity, and connection. And with a little support, your teen might just fall in love with stories all over again.

If you’re looking for more information on this topic, the following links may be of interest:

WHAT'S ON

State Library of Victoria Events

Rebel Heart: Letters and Other Declarations

When: 10.00am-6.00pm Until 27th January 2027

Cost: Free

Where: Keith Murdoch Gallery Link here.

Love doesn’t follow the rules: it rewrites them.

Rebel Heart: Love letters and other declarations is a tribute to defiant expressions of the heart, celebrating true stories of the rebels of romance from the past to the present.

This stirring new exhibition explores romantic love – and its foil, heartbreak – through State Library Victoria’s extraordinary archive of soul-baring letters, intimate diaries and rare manuscripts, amplified in powerful new music commissions.

Spanning centuries of connection and courage, meet the brave hearts who dared to love unapologetically – from same-sex couples in the Victorian era and a mid-century marriage at odds with the White Australia policy, to love outside marriage, across borders and online.

Kingston Libraries

Youth programs & activities

Whether you're there to study, chill, game or get creative, there's something for you at Kingston Libraries.

Drop into our dedicated youth spaces, join a writing group or gaming session, or get help with schoolwork. We’ve got free Wi-Fi, study zones, friendly staff, workshops and heaps of books, graphic novels and eResources — all free with your library card.

Come hang out, learn something new, or just be yourself.

Frankston City Libraries

Libraries After Dark

When: Thursdays 2026 06:00pm to 10:00pm

Cost: Free

Along with all the normal borrowing, computers and printing services, we have a range of activities, workshops, author talks and games. Or just come in for a cuppa and a chat! Libraries After Dark is free and everyone is welcome to join us.

The Libraries After Dark Program is supported by the Victorian Government. For more information about Libraries After Dark, please visit the Libraries After Dark website.

BOOK DONATIONS

Thank you to our students and staff for their very generous donations of books to our library. These thoughtful contributions help to enhance our collection and enable us to provide a wider range of popular and in-demand reading materials for our students, beyond our regular budgeted purchases.

We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of our school community.

Life is better with a good book!

Until next edition.

Yvonne Payne

Library Manager