Premier's Reading Challenge A Fund Of Fun For Kids

Thousands of Victorian children have even more books to read in public libraries thanks to the Brumby Government.

The first $2 million of the Premier's Reading Challenge Book Fund has been spent on new books and Premier John Brumby joined Local Government Minister Richard Wynne at The Age Library in Broadmeadows today to read with some of the children who have benefited from the fund.

Mr Brumby said Reading Challenge had already resulted in over seven million books read by Victorian children in the last three years.

"I'm delighted to say that the number of children completing the Challenge has risen significantly since its launch in 2005 resulting in an increase in reading among school students and the Book Fund will build on that success by enabling our public libraries to improve access to the books and materials on the Challenge reading list," Mr Brumby said.

"The Book Fund was established to increase participation even further and to help Victoria's students to develop a lifelong love of reading and discover new worlds, new words, new ideas and new friends in books.

"They have developed new skills in reading and literacy and for learning in all areas of their lives."

Mr Wynne said the first $2 million of the overall $6 million Book Fund includes $10,000 for every council in Victoria, $1 million for school libraries and funding for Vision Australia so vision impaired students are able to take part in the Reading Challenge.

He said a further $3 million will be awarded to Victoria's public libraries from the Book Fund over the next three years.

"I want to pay tribute to library staff that have taken on their role in the Challenge and have such a vital part to play in opening young people's eyes to the benefits of reading," Mr Wynne said.

Hume City Council Mayor Cr Mohamad Abbouche welcomed Hume's participation in the Premier's Reading Challenge.

"I am thrilled that Hume Libraries are part of this initiative, as it encourages children and teenagers in our community to get involved in reading and lifelong learning," Mr Abbouche said.

For more information on the Premier's Reading Challenge, go to http://www.education.vic.gov.au/