The Big Summer Read is Here!
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We invite you to take part in the biggest public library supported reading challenge in Australia! AHC Libraries are running a variety of fun challenges and events to inspire readers of all ages.
What’s On for the Big Summer Read at AHC
For Kids, Families and Adults
AHC’S Summer Reading Challenges
Get excited to read over the summer and challenge yourself with our fun summer reading challenges! There are two categories; the 'Summer Book Bingo' is open for children and teenagers ages 5-18 and, excitingly, for the first time we are also offering an adult bingo sheet, ‘Book Your Summer!’.
How to play:
- Pick up a bingo sheet from one of our library branches (or download a digital copy 'Summer Book Bingo' or 'Book Your Summer!') from December 1st, 2025.
- Cross off each reading activity as you complete them.
- Complete at least two full rows of activities (in any direction).
- Hand in your completed bingo sheet to any of our library branches (or email a clear photo of the completed sheet to us) by January 31st, 2026.
OPTIONAL: Complete all the challenges on the 'Summer Book Bingo' or 'Book Your Summer!' Sheets for an extra entry in the major prize draw.
BONUS “Book Bites”: We want to hear about how your summer reading is going! Tell us about your best summer reading moments to go in the running for prizes along the way with our “Book Bites”. See the in-library displays for more information on how to enter.
Reading Picnic at Stirling Library
This 'read-in' event is more like a read-out; we are carving out time and space on our beautiful leafy lawns at Coventry Library, Stirling, to read together. Pack a picnic rug, something to read (or borrow something from the library on the day), snacks, and sun protection.
Bring a friend, your family, or just yourself; all are welcome to attend.
Bookings aren’t required but do help us plan.
For Children and Teens
Reading Party and Reading Hang
We actually don't know what you read this summer... but we want to! Come along to AHC Libraries' Reading Party to read, make crafts, eat snacks, do mini-challenges (with bookish prizes!), and recommend new reads for each other.
There will be a chill and welcoming atmosphere; attendees may partake in one or all of the activities or sit and read for the duration, whatever feels best.
Bookings for these events will open in January – please sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when they go live.
- I Know What You Read This Summer: Reading Party! (Ages 7-10)
- I Know What You Read This Summer: Reading Hang! (Ages 11-14)
Collage and badgemaking
Bookings for these events will open in January – please sign up for our newsletter to be alerted when they go live.
BSR’s National Reading challenge
Join Big Summer Read’s national reading challenge! (Ages 0-18). The challenge encourages children and teenagers to read regularly, explore new stories, and build confidence in reading. It’s not just about ticking off titles—it’s about enjoying the journey, discovering favourite authors, and keeping minds active while school’s out. Learn more and sign up.
This challenge is separate to the AHC Libraries Book Bingo, but children and teenagers might like to complete both at once.
The BIG Summer Read is an annual reading challenge run by Public Libraries Victoria. It encourages young readers (0-18) to engage with their local public libraries over the Australian Summer holidays in December and January. Now in its fifth year, the Big Summer Read has grown to include all public library services in Victoria as well as public libraries in Tasmania, Queensland and South Australia. Last year in 2024, more than 24,000 young readers participated in the challenge, and that was just in Victoria!
The Big Summer Read campaign aims to address the ‘summer slide’ by:
- engaging young people in reading for pleasure
- supporting literacy development
- raising awareness among young people and their families of the resources available to them through public libraries.