MORE books will be available to young readers in Hamilton after the Greater Hamilton Library received $6656 in funding as part of the State Government’s 2022-23 Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund.

Provided to libraries each year, the funding will enable the purchasing of new books on the suggested reading list for the 2023 Premiers’ Reading Challenge, which encourages children and students to read a set number of books and record their efforts online.

Southern Grampians Shire Council library services coordinator, Kelly Pitt-Lancaster said the library was delighted to receive the funding which would greatly increase the number of new books on offer for local children.

“The State Government 2022-23 Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund is allocated annually with the Greater Hamilton Library set to receive approximately $6656, which is on par with the amount received last year,” she said.

“100 per cent of these funds will go towards the purchase of picture books and board books for the Library and Mobile Library collections.

“These items will further help to support our Early Years programs and the reading and development of literacy of children aged between zero to eight years across the Southern Grampians.

“Last year, this funding allowed us to purchase around 450 new items so we look forward to building our collection and most importantly growing opportunities for our youngest patrons.”

Public libraries play an important role during the Challenge, with many young readers visiting their local library to access the books included on the list.

Local Government minister, Melissa Horne and Western Victoria MP, Jaala Pulford, announced the funding last month, which they described as a win for local libraries.

“I’m excited this funding will help the local libraries in Southern Grampians Shire purchase even more books for young readers to enjoy so they can develop a lifelong love of reading,” Ms Pulford said.

Since the Premiers’ Reading Challenge first began in 2005, it has helped teachers and parents inspire more than 3.5 million young Victorians to read more than 54 million books.

Victoria’s public libraries make a real difference to individuals and communities across the state, with more than two million members borrowing more than 30 million books each year.

The Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund allocations are provided to local councils, regional library corporations, My Community Library (Myli) and Vision Australia.

For more information on the Government’s support for libraries including the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, visit bit.ly/3TFcv3k