Library News
Premiers’ Reading Challenge
Students in Years 7–10 are encouraged to participate in the Premiers’ Reading Challenge. This year’s Challenge theme is "Stories to Discover. Stories to Tell." Stories can inspire and challenge us, helping us grow as readers and individuals. They open our eyes to new worlds, perspectives and ways of thinking.
Years 7–9
- Number of books: 15
Number of books from the Challenge book list: 10 or more
Year 10
- Number of books: 15
- Number of books from the Challenge book list: 5 or more
Further information about the Challenge is available at the Victorian Government website: Premiers' Reading Challenge A Premiers’ Reading Challenge support video can be found on the library catalogue and the Years 7–10 Google Classroom. Students can also browse the library catalogue using the Quick Lists: Premiers’ Reading Challenge (7–8) and Premiers’ Reading Challenge (9–10).
What is Coming Up Next Term?
The 2026 Book Week theme is "Symphony of Stories", celebrating the joy and diversity of children’s literature across Australia. Students may also be interested in following the CBCA Book of the Year Awards. The Older Readers category includes fiction, drama and poetry suitable for readers aged 13–18 years. Students often look forward to seeing whether their favourite shortlisted books are announced as winners.
Library Staff Spotlight: Clara
Clara is our talented Library Assistant and is primarily based at Everton. We asked her a few questions about her reading life.
What are you currently reading?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I’m currently having a fun little re-read because I haven’t visited the series in a while, and it remains my favourite magical world.
What book would you recommend to secondary students? The Hunger Games series, particularly Sunrise on the Reaping.
Why should students read it? It’s an incredible and heart-wrenching series set in a dystopian world and centred around teenage protagonist Katniss Everdeen. I loved reading these books in high school and have enjoyed returning to the series through the newer additions. Stories like these encourage us to think deeply about society and the world around us.
Perfect for: Students who enjoy action-packed dystopian fiction with memorable characters.
Quick Fire Round
- Favourite genre? Mystery and realistic fiction are my favourites, but I also enjoy a romance novel now and then.
- eBook, audiobook or print? Print. I feel more motivated to read when I have a physical book in my hands.
- Favourite reading snack? A cup of tea and a few biscuits.
- Dream reading location? Lounging on a sunbed somewhere along the Mediterranean coast.
Book character you’d like to meet? Professor McGonagall from the Harry Potter books, of course!
Our Library Community
In May, the library team had the pleasure of hosting a Staff Wellbeing Reading Session. Staff who enjoy reading appreciated the opportunity to connect with colleagues, share book recommendations and discuss their latest reads. It was a wonderful reminder of the role reading can play in supporting wellbeing and fostering community. We look forward to offering similar opportunities for both students and staff in the future.
Recently, I asked Year 10–12 students why they choose to spend their lunchtime in the library. Their responses included:
“The book selection – there are always interesting things to read.”
“It’s a great study space to catch up on work or prepare for exams.”
“I prefer reading inside during my break time.”
Whether students are borrowing books, studying, reading or preparing for assessments, it is wonderful to see our libraries supporting learning, wellbeing and a lifelong love of reading every day.
Krissy Barr Teacher Librarian