Library
Love at First Read
Article by Paige Witcombe, Library Leader
This week in the Yirramboi Middle School Library, many classes have visited the library for browsing and borrowing. It has been wonderful to meet the students and see their enthusiasm for reading.
Students have also been celebrating the love of reading in the lead-up to Library Lovers’ Day on February 14 by contributing to a special Blind Date with a Book display. Students select a book they would like to recommend, identify the genre and share the first line, then wrap the book to conceal the cover and title. Other borrowers choose a “blind date” based on this limited information, encouraging them to try something new.
After reading and returning their book, students can rate their “date” by writing a short review and enter it into a draw to win a ‘sweet’ prize.
Educational research highlights that peer recommendations play a powerful role in motivating young people to read, with students more likely to engage with books suggested by their classmates. Activities like Blind Date with a Book harness this influence to build positive reading habits and a strong reading culture.
In the Senior School Library, several genre displays have been created to spark curiosity and encourage students to explore different types of fiction. Book displays increase visibility of titles, support browsing, and significantly influence students’ borrowing choices by drawing attention to genres or authors they may not have otherwise considered. Together, these school-based strategies work alongside the support students receive at home to nurture lifelong reading habits.
The Australia Reads ‘Understanding Australian Readers’ report (2025) emphasises the importance of adults modelling reading at home, noting that children who regularly see family members reading are more likely to view reading as enjoyable and to read more frequently themselves.
Families are encouraged to talk with their child about what they are reading and to support regular reading at home, as even a small amount of daily reading can make a big difference.
