4000 Children’s books to be donated as part of Children’s Book Week

Published on 25 August 2021

Close to 2000 local children will receive free books thanks to a partnership between 123Read2Me; The Free Children’s Book Charity and Lions Clubs.

Mildura Rural City Council assisted by distributing 4000 books to local kindergartens, early learning centres and Supported Playgroups in time for Book Week (21 – 27 August).

These books are then passed on to local children to take home and enjoy with their families.

Having books in the home supports sharing words through reading, rhyming and singing - the building blocks for early literacy.

Literacy is one of the most important foundations for success in school, with literacy levels affecting opportunities in life for education, employment, income and wellbeing.

Councillor for Community Health and Wellbeing Cyndi Power said introducing young people to reading was important from an early age.

“This is a really exciting initiative, and we’re proud to partner with 123Read2Me to make these books available to young people and their families in our region,” she said.

“Research has found that reading storybooks to children is one of the most important activities for developing the knowledge required for eventual success in reading.

“It’s also a fantastic way to spend time together as a family, and the more books we can get into local children’s homes the better the outcomes.”

123Read2Me founder Melinda Shelley, who grew up in a farming family in the Western District, said she knows what it’s like to struggle at school with reading, writing and spelling.

“Reading out loud for as little as 10 minutes a day creates the brain pathways that make learning easier, and the best part is it is fun to do,” she said.

“We hear all the time about breaking the cycle of poverty and closing the gap. I know that this simple act of giving books to children will help them get excited about books and reading, and it helps them succeed at school.

“With the help of my amazing volunteers and Lions Clubs we have already donated more than 500,000 books to children across Victoria who don’t have books at home.

“For too long we have assumed that all children have stories before they go to bed. Unfortunately the harsh reality is that if you are struggling to put food on the table children’s books are a luxury.

“With the success of this initial book giveaway for book week I would love to start a program where every week is book week. Just imagine if every child had books and loved reading what a difference it would make.”

For more information about 123Read2Me contact Melinda Shelley on 0431 608 144 or email [email protected]

Due to the most recent COVID-19 lockdown not all local services were able to be provided with their books in time for Book Week, however these children will receive their books when restrictions allow.

ENDS