$1.1 Million For Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund

The Andrews Labor Government has announced $1.1 million will go to public library services throughout Victoria as part of the 2016 Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund.

Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins today visited the new Geelong Library and Heritage Centre to announce the funding.

Funds will go to assisting the state’s public libraries purchase books and materials when participating in the 2016 Premiers’ Reading Challenge. Under the program, the Geelong Regional Library Corporation will receive $49,102 for 2015-16.

The Challenge encourages children and young people to read more books, with more than 204,100 participants taking up the Challenge in 2015 alone.

Public libraries play an important role during the Challenge, with many visiting their local library to get access to the books included on each year’s lists.

The Premiers’ Reading Challenge forms part of the Labor Government’s commitment to supporting libraries and local communities across the state.

Other initiatives include the record $40.5 million investment in the Public Libraries Funding Program and the $4.3 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program 2015.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins

“Reading encourages curiosity and helps build the skills required to make Victoria the education state.”

“This funding will help libraries to purchase books and other materials that will make the Premiers’ Reading Challenge an even bigger success in 2016.”

 “This funding builds on the Andrews Labor Government's already strong commitment to local libraries and communities.”