Library News
Opening Hours
Our library is open from 8.30 am until 3.15 pm each day. Students are invited to come and find their next reading material and participate in the variety of activities on offer.
Book Week - August 16th to August 23rd
This year, McCarthy celebrated Children’s Book Week in style! 2025 marked the 80th year of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. The theme for the week was ‘Book an Adventure’, and it was a fun and enthusiastic week of “adventures” here at McCarthy. We had a variety of activities on offer throughout the week, with enthusiasm and participation from everyone.
On Monday, the 18th, Book Week was officially opened in the Rosary Centre with a Year 7 student-led acknowledgement of Country. Following this, Year 7 and some selected students were privileged to have local author Jacqueline Graham, a former McCarthy student, return to McCarthy and speak to them about her writing and publishing process. Jacqueline connected well with the students, sharing many mischievous tales from her Kootingal-based childhood, which she revealed were the inspiration for the Cotton Wood Adventure series. Jacqui also gave students a sneak peek of her next book, then took questions from the students and generously shared her tips and experiences as a new writer. In the writers workshop that followed, the students explored their experiences and used their imaginations to write about character, plot and setting. In the session, students had the opportunity to share some of their writing with Jacqui and the group.
Throughout the week in mentor group time, our students participated in many challenges and activities that celebrated our favourite literature. This included quizzes about famous authors, information about Australian authors and their stories, a 'Guess the Book Cover' challenge, a ‘Reading Selfie' challenge, and sharing some of our favourite titles. It was wonderful to see so many students participating and sharing the stories that have impacted them and shaped their reading journey.
Throughout the week, the library also hosted the House Competition. Houses were assigned a genre, and had to design a library display in their House teams to present their allocated genre best. It was wonderful to see the creativity of the displays, the interesting book choices, and the supportive teamwork.
Check out the incredible final displays below.
Our Book Week celebrations culminated in the Book Week Dress-up day and costume parade. Students and staff dressed up and showcased some of their favourite titles. There were some incredible costumes, and it was wonderful to see many students dressed up with their friends, sharing what stories inspired them with their peers.
Come in and borrow your holiday reading
We are encouraging students to come in and borrow their holiday reading for the upcoming spring break. If you need assistance in choosing a book, please speak with the library staff, and we will assist you in finding something that best suits you. New items are being added to the catalogue, and new displays are advertising some of the hidden treasures on offer.
Reading for growth and enjoyment
The Renaissance Reader Program in Stage 4 is seeing some great success and results. The Library has been supporting classes with reading materials. Every Thursday, students across the school participate in reading time within their mentor groups. In our library, we have many fiction and non-fiction resources to explore a plethora of topics, themes, genres, and ideas. There is something for everyone!
The Premier’s Reading Challenge 2025
The Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2025 is nearly over. The deadline for the extension is September 19th, and the library has been meeting with participating students and assisting them in logging their reading materials. Students can find the full PRC list of available titles to finalise their submission on the library site, or can speak with the staff to find their last reading materials. Congratulations to all our students who participated and completed the challenge in 2025.
Winter Activities in the Library
Over the winter, we have incorporated a wide range of activities to support students in the library, and have introduced some technology-free sessions. It is wonderful to see students reading, playing card games, using the new and updated board games, colouring or drawing, and making jewellery with our beads and craft supplies.
Libby Laird
Teacher Librarian
Bec Hannan
Teacher Librarian
rhannan@arm.catholic.edu.au