Abbey’s big summer read win

Over the summer, Public Libraries Victoria promoted the Big Summer Read across all state library services.

Newhaven College Year 6 student Abbey Simpson read an astonishing 60 books over December and January. Representing Bass Coast Region, Abbey was found to be the most proficient reader, earning her a big win.

She was thrilled.

"I won a $30 Kids Voucher, a $250 Voucher for any shop that accepts a Visa card and two audiobooks. It was so much fun, and I recommend it to anybody that is interested. I cannot wait to enter next year!"

Public Libraries Victoria has found that children who read over summer holidays experience the equivalent of attending three years of summer school.

Not reading over the holidays can create a ‘slide’ in literacy skills. This program raises awareness of the benefits of reading and is a fun, dynamic campaign to increase reading for pleasure and supports literacy development, helping to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.

Newhaven College's dedicated library staff support and encourage healthy reading habits.

They run the College Library Book Club, which runs every Monday at lunchtime for interested students who love every aspect of reading and books. They read the CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia) shortlisted books for Book of the Year for Older and Younger Readers. They also read the shortlisted picture books.

As part of Book Club, the students write reviews of the books they read, discuss their various opinions on key aspects of the books and choose which books they think might win the coveted prizes.

Newhaven College encourages students of all ages to read in their spare time. The benefits are witnessed through educational outcomes.