Library News

Reading is dreaming with our eyes open

National Science Week Books 

National Science Week, Saturday, 13 August to Sunday, 21 August, is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. This collection of science books featured in our newsletter are available in our library and showcase the importance of science and the impact these fields have on the world in which we all live. 

The Horrible Science Collection is a set of science books combining both solid science knowledge and hilarious illustration. Our students love to read and discover evil elements, revolting robots and dangerous diseases in this series written by Nick Arnold and Tony De Saulles. The entire collection is available in our school library.

The Ponderables is a series by Tom Jackson, a science writer based in the United Kingdom, specialising in recasting science and technology into lively historical narratives for 12-17 year olds. The entire collection is available for loan in our library.

The film 'Interstellar' relies on real science for many of its stunning visuals. Physicist Kip Thorne, an expert on black holes and wormholes, provided the math that the special effects artists turned into movie magic. 

This book is now available for loan in our library.

CBCA 2022 Book Week

The CBCA 2022 Book Week is taking place from 20-26 August and the theme is ‘Dreaming with eyes open…’

We are excited to feature a collection of books and some new releases relating to this theme in our school library, inspiring our students to imagine and dream. Meanwhile, take a look at the video presentation featuring the artist and her artwork for the Book Week theme poster. 

Premiers’ Reading Challenge

Well done to our students who have been busy reading and logging books online for the Premiers’ Reading Challenge. A reminder to all students that there is not long to go now as the challenge finishes on the 2nd of September. If you are looking for book recommendations speak to your Communicate and Relate teacher, Niamh in the library or Ms Aimee Shattock.

All students who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers and go into a draw to win prizes. To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklist and for more information, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/prc. 

2022 Civica Libraries Index

The Civica Libraries Index is released each year and reveals the nation’s reading habits. More than half the library books we borrowed in 2022 were penned by Australian authors, continuing an upward trend seen over the past three years.

“It is wonderful to see that Australian authors have once again proved so popular with borrowers. This is a testament to the quality of our writers and creators and to the Australian publishing industry’s commitment to fostering local talent”. CATHIE WARBURTON, ALIA CEO, ALIA

Civica analysed 30 million library book loans from participating libraries across Australia to determine the country’s most popular books. Data was gathered over a 12 month period, from between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022. 

The top 5 most popular books in Australia

1. The Survivors by Jane Harper
2. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
3. The Sentinel by Lee Childs
4. All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton
5. The Deep End by Jeff Kinney

The top 5 most popular Australian books

1. The Survivors by Jane Harper
2. All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton
3. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
4. Honeybee by Craig Silvey
5. Godmothers by Monica McInerney

Australian biographies also continue to be popular amongst readers with Eddie Jaku’s 'The Happiest Man on Earth' topping the most popular reads. Copies of this book are available in our library.

The most popular young adult fiction books were by Jeff Kinney and the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series, Anh Do’s 'Weirdo' series, Andy Griffiths' 'Treehouse' series, David Walliams', and the Tom Gates series by Liz Pichon. 

Niamh McPhelimy 

Library Manager