Library reading challenge to slow the summer slide

The Ararat Library is encouraging children to read over the holidays with a summer reading challenge, rewarding enthusiastic readers with prizes for their efforts.

The BIG Summer Read program aims to prevent what is known as the ‘summer slide’, where children take a break from their regular school routine results in a decline of literacy skills.  

Kids can keep track of their reading over the holidays by using the Beanstack Tracker to record the number of books, audiobooks, or graphic novels they have read to be in the running for prizes.

Ararat Rural City Deputy CEO, Julie Cronin said the Ararat Library will keep its doors open over the holiday season, giving children access to resources from picture books, graphic novels to audiobooks.

“Council’ library is an invaluable resource for our community, providing children with the opportunity to read widely and build important literacy skills,” said Ms Cronin.

“The summer reading challenge encourages children to use the library and build strong reading habits over the holidays.”

Many primary school-aged children experience a ‘summer slide’ which refers to the decline of literacy skills over the summer holidays, Council’s Library Team Leader, Ashlee McKinnis said.

“The BIG Summer read program not only fosters a love of learning but helps kids to continue building on important literacy skills gained during the school year,” she said.

“The more you read and engage with activities on the Beanstack tracker -- the more chances children have of winning. There are prizes for the top readers, including a $100 voucher for the Halls Gap Zoo, Toyz On Barkly or Intersport.

“At the library, visitors can borrow from a massive selection of picture books, easy readers to junior fiction – we get a delivery of new books every week, so be sure to visit and ask for some great reading ideas for your kids.”

The BIG Summer read program is free to join by downloading the Beanstack app or registering an account on the Beanstack website and selecting ‘Ararat Library’. Read at least 10 books or more by 31 January 2022 to be eligible for the prize draw on the Beanstack tracker - winners will be announced in February 2022.

Please note, the Ararat Library will be open throughout the festive season, only closing on public holidays.