Happy Book Week, everyone! 2026 is the 80th anniversary of Book Week! This presents us with a wonderful opportunity to focus on the real reason behind Book Week: To promote Australian Children’s Literature and encourage reading for pleasure! “Reading for pleasure has proven benefits across health, education and employment and is vital to a healthier, happier and more connected society.” (ALIA, ACSL, Australia Reads, 2026).
This week The Australian Library and Information Association, Australian Coalition for School Libraries and Australia Reads released their joint statement “Reading for Pleasure”.
The document draws on extensive research and highlights that students who read for pleasure:
- are more likely to be proficient readers
- have better receptive language and expressive language abilities
- are more likely to achieve strong academic results
- better understand the world around them and the experiences of others
- have better mental health outcomes
- have increased positive long-term economic and employment outcomes
- are more likely to develop a lifelong habit of reading.
(ALIA, ACSL, Australia Reads, 2026)
Some tips and tricks to help encourage your child to read:
- Let them see you reading! We know children are more likely to do what we do, rather than what we say. If they see you reading, they are more likely to read. This is my favourite tip! Telling your child, “Sorry, not right now, I’m reading” is actually great parenting.
- Make time to read as a family! Have a reading party/afternoon/10 minutes—every minute counts. Share hot chocolates, treats, or simply carve out a few minutes before bedtime to read together. You could read aloud to your child or just be together and read your own books.
- Support them to choose books that they will enjoy! There is a book out there for everyone, it’s just a matter of finding the right book for the right person. Tell them about the books you loved at their age, or what you are currently reading.
- Listen to audiobooks together whilst driving. You can download audiobooks for free from your public library straight to your phone and play it through your car’s speakers.
We all know that reading is excellent for our physical and mental health, but making time to read is challenging for all of us. Try to establish routines, find a few minutes, and role model being a reader. Even 10 minutes a day can make a big difference.
For more information about the benefits of reading, the blockers and how to overcome them check out the Australia Reads website.
Hajnalka Molloy
Learning Resources Manager
References
ALIA, ACSL, Australia Reads. (2026, August 26). ALIA ACSL and Australia Reads Statement on School Libraries and Reading for Pleasure. Australian Coalition for School Libraries. https://acsl.alia.org.au/wp-co...
Australia Reads. (2026). Australia Reads. Australia Reads. https://australiareads.org.au/