This summer , Hornsby Shire Council is encouraging everyone in the community to take up more reading throughout the holidays .

It is offering two free reading programs with enticing incentives to inspire readers to explore more books . People can register at any one of the Shire ’ s library services – Hornsby , Berowra , Pennant Hills or Galston – for a chance to win exciting prizes .

Children ’ s Summer Reading Challenge

The annual Children ’ s Summer Reading Challenge , for children ages 12 and under , encourages children to read and explore the amazing world of books over the summer holidays . This year ’ s theme , ‘ Reading Rocks ’, captures the excitement and adventure of reading .

Participants earn badges each week , which can be redeemed for small prizes , such as stationary , craft and heaps more . There will also be a party at the end of the challenge when the major prizes of $ 50 book vouchers will be awarded . Participants can join at their local library by collecting a form or they can join online to get started .

An exciting ‘ Reading Rocks ’ launch event will take place at Hornsby Library

on Thursday 5 December at 4pm . Everyone is invited for an afternoon of rock ’ n ’ roll inspired party games , craft and prizes . Every child who attends receives a ‘ Reading Rocks ’ starter pack .

Adult ’ s and Teen ’ s Summer Reading Challenge

Why should the kids have all the fun ? The Summer Reading Challenge for adults and teens over 12 gives participants a list of reading prompts to inspire them , with each book read becoming an entry to a draw to win one of 10 $ 30 book vouchers . Participants can even tell library staff their reading preferences to receive their own tailormade list of reading suggestions . They can collect a form from a Hornsby Shire Council library or complete it online to get started .

Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell explained how the Hornsby Shire Library Service summer reading programs are an important element of its initiatives to support literacy in Hornsby Shire .

“ The Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our community to relax with a good book and find the joy of reading over the holidays .

“ Not only is this a chance to explore new books and develop reading skills , but

there are also exciting prizes to reward those who participate , and we know kids love rewards ! I encourage everyone to get involved , visit your local library , and let the reading challenge bring some extra fun to your summer .”

The Summer Reading Challenge is taking place from 5 December 2024 until 23 January 2025 . Many other programs are offered by the library , including story

time for pre-schoolers , after school and school holiday activities for children , book clubs and author talks for adults , and a home library service for our older residents .

To find out more about the free reading programs for Hornsby Shire Library Service members and to register visit : https :// www . hornsby . nsw . gov . au / summer-reading-challenge