Community News
Big Summer Read Returns to Keep Kids Reading Over Summer
Public Libraries Victoria (PLV) is thrilled to announce the return of the Big Summer Read, Australia’s biggest public library-supported reading challenge. Running from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, the campaign encourages young readers aged 0–18 years to visit their local library and keep reading during the summer holidays.
Last summer, more than 24,000 Victorian children participated, logging thousands of books and helping to combat the “summer slide”—the loss of literacy skills that can occur when children stop reading over the holidays.
The program is free to join, and participants can log books they read, listen to, or have read to them. Families are encouraged to continue reading aloud to children and track progress through the Read Books website, earning digital badges and entering prize draws. Local libraries will also offer incentive prizes and host events to celebrate reading.
“Reading as little as six books over summer can help maintain a child’s literacy level,” said Angela Savage, PLV CEO. “The Big Summer Read makes this fun and accessible for every family.”
Now in its fifth year, the Big Summer Read has expanded beyond Victoria to include public libraries in Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
The campaign aims to:
- Engage young people in reading for pleasure
- Support literacy development
- Raise awareness of the free resources available through public libraries
To register, visit your local library or sign up online at www.readbooks.com.au/bsr
