Pick up a good read and celebrate Australian Reading Hour

Published on 11 September 2017

Mildura Rural City Council’s Library Service is encouraging Sunraysia residents to embrace the wonderful world of books as part of Australian Reading Hour this week.

Supported by the Australian Library and Information Association, Australian Reading Hour will be held this Thursday, 14 September and aims to get as many people as possible to pick up a book, at any time of the day or night, and read for an hour.

Councillor for Arts and Culture Jason Modica said the initiative, which is now in its fifth year, was a great way to encourage residents to read more.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to join their local library and enjoy reading, which can cover an amazingly diverse range of topics and interests,” Cr Modica said.

“By setting aside an hour to read on Thursday, 14 September, you’ll be joining thousands of people across the nation, and who knows, you may learn something new, be entertained or inspired, or simply discover the beauty of reading.

“And the best thing is, it’s something people of all ages can do and could be a great way to introduce your son or daughter to reading, which is a skill that will benefit them for life.”

Cr Modica said recent studies had shown that reading can reduce stress by up 68 per cent, and was listed by many Australians as their most enjoyable leisure activity.

He said that while Council’s Library Service organises reading-related activities throughout the municipality year-round, including book clubs, childrens’ storytimes and meet-the-author events, Australian Reading Hour was the one event that everyone could take part in, regardless of age, area of interest or the time of day.

To celebrate Australian Reading Hour, Merbein Library will host a special morning tea from 10.30am to 11.30am, providing a chance for the community to see what the library has to offer. To register for the morning tea please phone (03) 5018 8361.

Residents who can’t make it to the morning tea are encouraged to become a member and borrow a book to take home with them for later. Joining Council’s Library Service is free, but you will need to present identification showing a residential address.

For more information contact the Mildura Library on (03) 5018 8350.

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689 
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au