GET INVOLVED IN THE BIG SUMMER READ
Big Summer Read is a reading incentive program for ages 5 – 16 years that runs from Monday 1 December 2025 – Saturday 31 January 2026. The program aims to help maintain literacy levels over the summer school holiday period.
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black said the summer school holidays are a great opportunity to continue to develop and grow a child’s literacy skills as well as their love for reading.
“We want to encourage kids to pick up a book as reading is a great form of entertainment and relaxation with the benefit of supporting your child’s reading skills ready for when they return to school next year,” Clr Black said.
To join Big Summer Read, visit your local Macquarie Regional Library branch and pick up a log to track your reading.
Children mark off each day they read a book, magazine, graphic novel or listen to an audiobook. At the end of the program, children return their completed log to their local library to receive a prize and an entry into the major prize draw.
Macquarie Regional Library has a great range of books for children and young people as well as access to a large range of e-books and audiobooks via apps such as Libby, Borrow Box, IndyReads and U Library.
Macquarie Regional Library Manager Kathryn McAlister said the branches have a great variety of books that can be borrowed free of charge with a library card.
“Our team are always on hand to help with reading suggestions and to help encourage children to explore the wonderful world of books,” Ms McAlister said.
If your child is five and under, The Macquarie Regional Library has an Early Literacy Bingo competition. Simply collect a bingo sheet anytime in December and January then complete the card and hand in to your local library to receive a small prize and entry into the major prize draw.
Not a member of the Macquarie Regional Library? You can join for free.
For more information about the Big Summer Read visit www.mrl.nsw.gov.au or visit the Dubbo or Wellington branch.
Last Edited: 27 Nov 2025