Library Service
BEANSTACK READING PLATFORM
The daily reading minutes continue to be logged on Beanstack, and it is encouraging to see the enthusiasm of students who engage with the platform. As Teacher Professional Development (2025) states: “Reading is one of the most valuable skills a person can develop. It goes beyond learning to decode words on a page — it builds empathy, strengthens communication, and enhances problem-solving skills. In today’s fast-paced world, where information is everywhere, the ability to read deeply and think critically has never been more important. For students, reading lays the foundation for academic success, while for teachers, it is a vital tool to inspire curiosity and encourage lifelong learning. No matter your age, reading opens pathways to knowledge, creativity, and personal growth.”
By developing a consistent reading routine early in life – though it is, of course, never too late to start! – the ground is set for success not only during the academic journey, but in life well beyond. Our students who are investing themselves in using the Beanstack Reading Platform are to be congratulated on their dedication, and we hope St Monica’s students of all ages are inspired to follow their lead!
LIBRARY EVENTS
CBCA Children’s Book Week 2026
One of the most – if not THE most! - exciting times of the year for Library staff is Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week! This year’s theme is Symphony of Stories, and all campus libraries have been involved in the celebrations.
From dress-up days, to amazing displays, fun round every corner and a visiting author – this is the week we celebrate books and reading in all its forms (though we really do that EVERY day of the year!). Due to St Monica’s Week, our festivities are largely held a little earlier than the ACTUAL Book Week (which ran from Saturday 22 August to Friday 28 August 2026), so everyone can make the most of both auspicious occasions. The winners and honour books of the various CBCA Book of the Year categories were announced on Friday 21 August – you can find the announcements here!
Author Amy Doak visit to Pamela Coyne Library, Wednesday 26 August
To conclude our Book Week celebrations, award-winning Young Adult author Amy Doak visited Pamela Coyne Library and spoke to students and staff about the road to becoming a published author and how her life experiences have informed her writing. Amy also noted the importance of experiencing her work being rejected, as well as having the network of peers and friends who have supported her and provided feedback over the years. Signing of books and bookmarks, and conversations about reading and writing followed Amy’s talk, and all present were thrilled to have been a part of it.
Library events, displays and celebrations – a thank you
The Library Faculty has a great many of the abovementioned, and staff would like to make particular note of a team member who – for many years – has been a critical part of their organisation. Library Technician Dominique Elbarbar has used her creativity, sense of fun and whimsy and passion for libraries and books to bring together displays and events that are engaging and fun (please refer to the image above of her dressed as one Dolly Parton – a now sadly-missed patron, herself, of literacy and books). Mrs Elbarbar champions books and libraries of all kinds, and that presence is one that is truly powerful. The Library Faculty is incredibly grateful for having her as part of the team.
Thank you to all students who took part in the various activities the Library Faculty ran over the course of the two weeks – we love that you enjoy celebrating Book Week (NEARLY!) as much as we do!
Miss E Bruty
Librarian