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Invitation to join Ararat Library program

Ararat Library is encouraging children to read during 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’, when children take a break from their regular school routine, resulting in a decline of literacy skills.  

Ararat Rural City Council deputy chief excutive Julie Cronin said Ararat Library had kept its doors open during the holiday season, giving children access to books or audiobooks. 

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



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

Ararat council’s library team leader Ashlee McKinnis said many primary school-aged children experienced a decline in literacy skills during summer holidays.

“The BIG Summer read program not only fosters a love of learning but helps kids 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 prizes. 

“There are prizes for the top readers, including a $100 voucher for the Halls Gap Zoo, Toyz On Barkly or Intersport.”

The BIG Summer read program is free to join by downloading the Beanstack app.

Children must read 10 books or more by January 31 to be eligible for prizes. Winners will be announced in February.

The entire January 19, 2022 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!