Big Summer Read Returns to Keep Kids Reading over Summer

Published on 25 November 2025

The Greater Hamilton Library and Public Libraries Victoria (PLV) are pleased to announce the return of the Big Summer Read, Australia’s biggest public library-supported reading challenge.  

Running from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, the campaign encourages young readers aged 0–18 years to visit their local library and keep reading during the summer holidays. 

Last summer, more than 24,000 Victorian children participated, logging thousands of books and helping to combat the “summer slide”- the loss of literacy skills that can occur when children stop reading over the holidays.  

Over the past three years, our local Big Summer Read has been hugely successful with close to 500 participants reading over 7,500 books. 

Library Services Coordinator Kelly Pitt-Lancaster said the program is a fun way to keep reading during the summer break. “Reading as little as six books over summer can help maintain a child’s literacy level. The Big Summer Read makes this fun and accessible for every family. Our recent figures show how popular our program has become with some great prizes on offer so register with us today.” 

The campaign aims to engage young people in reading for pleasure, support literacy development and raise awareness of the free resources available through public libraries 

The program is free to join, and participants can log the books they read, listen to, or have read to them. For every 10 books read, participants will receive an entry into the draw for some amazing local prizes. 

Frist prize is a $500 Toyworld voucher, second place is a $300 JB HIFI voucher with third a $100 pass to the Hamilton Cinema. 

Now in its fifth year, the Big Summer Read has not only grown locally and across Victoria but has now expanded to include public libraries in Tasmania, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. 

To register, visit the Greater Hamilton Library, collect a reading log and start reading. You can also access the forms at www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/Greater-Hamilton-Library/Big-Summer-Reads