Local libraries set to benefit from $1.1m boost
More children could soon be discovering their next favourite book, with a statewide $1.1 million funding boost set to make its way into local libraries.
Young local readers will have access to more books following a $1.1 million Victorian Government funding announcement supporting the Premiers’ Reading Challenge.
The 2026-27 Book Fund will help public libraries purchase books and reading materials for the annual challenge, which encourages children to develop their reading skills and discover new stories.
Myli Library is among the library services receiving funding, with the money going towards expanding book collections.
However, Myli was unable to confirm how much of the funding it would receive or how much would be allocated to individual branches.
Myli Acting Executive Manager Libraries, Victoria Whelan, welcomed the investment.
“We’re grateful for the Victorian Government’s support through the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, which will help us put more books into the hands of young readers,” Ms Whelan said.
“Finding a book you love can make all the difference when you’re building confidence with reading.
“This funding gives children more choice, helping them find stories that suit their interests and reading level, and encouraging them to keep reading.”
Wonthaggi Library branch manager at Myli, Nic Velissaris, said reading initiatives like the Premiers’ Challenge usually encouraged more children and families to visit their local library.
“Whenever we have those types of initiatives, yes, we see more kids, more people come in and use the library,” Mr Velissaris said.
He said free access to books also encouraged young readers to explore subjects that they might otherwise have ignored or overlooked.
“It really gives them an opportunity to try things that they might not normally read,” he said.
“It sort of pushes them in new directions, you know, so that they’re reading things that they may not have tried before.”
The Premiers' Reading Challenge has operated for more than 20 years, with almost five million young Victorians reading more than 68 million books since its introduction.
Participants read books suited to their reading level and record their progress online.
The statewide funding also supports Vision Australia in providing accessible reading materials for children who are blind, have low vision or a print disability.
All books purchased through the initiative will be available to borrow for free.
For those wishing to register, Mr Velissaris said library staff could help families find the online registration information for the Premiers’ Challenge.
The next Premiers' Reading Challenge will begin early in the 2027 school year.
