The Biggest Public Library supported reading challenge in Australia
Big Summer Read is a national, library‑led summer reading program that supports children and young people aged 0–18 to keep reading over the summer holidays. The 2025–2026 evaluation shows continued growth and stronger engagement, with 11,771 registered participants nationally, an average of 17 books or 20 days read per child, and sustained reading activity well into January.
The program starts on the 1st December and finishes on the 31st January each year and registration is free. Participating library services typically offer incentive prizes for those who complete the challenge as well as a national prize draw to encourage and reward the efforts of young readers.
Join the challenge here https://readbooks.com.au/bsr
Purpose of the Program
The program encourages reading for pleasure, helps reduce the ‘summer slide,” and strengthens connections between families and public libraries. A strong focus on inclusion and equity ensures all children can take part, with flexible participation options, free access through libraries, and both paper and online formats. By presenting reading as fun, achievable and low‑pressure, Big Summer Read supports positive reading habits and welcomes families with diverse needs, experiences and levels of confidence.
A national approach helps position our libraries as vital community resources in early childhood development and ensures all Australians have access to free resources, which have been proven to mitigate these learning declines.
The program starts on 1 December and finishes on 31 January each year.
For all media enquiries please email christine.peters@plv.org.au
Is my library service running the program?
All library services in Victoria and Tasmania deliver the program each year. A select number of libraries in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia also participate, with more joining in each year. Please contact your local library for more information.
Who can participate?
All children between the ages of 0-18 are welcome to participate! Independent and non-independent readers can log any book they read, that is read to them or listened to as an audio. We encourage parents and caregivers to continue to read aloud to young people during the summer school holidays and log their reading as part of the challenge.
Further Reading
Eglitis, E., Miatke, A., Virgara, R., Machell, A., Olds, T., Richardson, M., & Maher, C. (2024). Children’s health, wellbeing and academic outcomes over the summer holidays: A scoping review. Children, 11(3), 287. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11030287