Louise Sherwin-Stark, CEO of Hachette Australia and the Chair of the Australian Reads Committee, invites Australians of all ages and from all walks of life to share and celebrate the joys of reading. And together we say a big thank you to Australia Reads authors Danielle Binks, Jacqueline Harvey, and Virginia Trioli for their amazing support of the school library community!
#AustraliaReadsAtHome
There’s no denying that this year has been a challenging one. But, despite the hardships, it is encouraging to discover that reading has been a source of escapism, entertainment and comfort for many Australians during this time.
A July 2020 report into the impacts of COVID 19 showed that:
- 20% of Australians say they are reading more books due to lockdowns.
- Gen Z are reading more books than pre-COVID and their reading has increased more than older generations.
- This increased engagement with reading has been fairly steady since March.
- In terms of reading more on a permanent basis post COVID, 12% of Australian say they will. Interesting, as the waves of isolation continue, the habit forming is increasing.
Rediscovering books and reading is what Australia Reads is all about. Its an important campaign supported by the whole book industry, running from the 1st to the 12th November. Our aim is to encourage all Australians to pick up a book and enjoy the benefits of reading.
This year we are excited to be hosting three virtual events that will highlight the need to stop and read on Thursday 12th November for Australian Reading Hour.
Ambassadors Peter Helliar, Dervla McTiernan and Will Kostakis will join a stellar line up of amazing Australian authors who are contributing to an incredible three programs for kids, teens and adults each of which you will all be able to screen directly into your classroom or library.
The three programs and their scheduled times are:
Australia Reads Kids – Sydney Opera House Stream
Monday 9th November – 10.30am AEDT
Featuring: Ursula Dubosarsky, Andy Griffiths, Bluey, Sami Bayly, Anna Fienberg, Osher Gunsberg, Peter Helliar, Jacqueline Harvey, Beck Fiener and more.
One lucky school will also have the chance to win a prize pack of special edition Australia Reads books!
To register for the program, head to the Sydney Opera House Digital Events pages HERE. This program is available free of charge to all Australian schools.
Australia Reads Teens – Sydney Opera House Stream
Monday 9th November – 12.30pm AEDT
Featuring: Will Kostakis, Rawah Arja, Cath Moore, Amie Kaufman, Danielle Binks, Garth Nix, Alex Dyson, Lisa Fuller and more.
Each author will give students an insight into their writing process, character development and how reading encourages emphathy and increases connection.
One lucky school will also have the chance to win a prize pack of special edition Australia Reads books!
To register for the program, head to the Sydney Opera House Digital Events pages HERE. This program is available free of charge to all Australian schools.
Australia Reads Main Event – YouTube Live Premiere Event
Wednesday 11th November – 12.30pm AEDT
Featuring: Judy Nunn, Peter Fitzsimons, Peter Helliar, Michael Robotham, Dervla McTiernan, Tanya Plibersek, Andy Griffiths, Nikki Gemmell, Anita Heiss, Kevin Sheedy, Virginia Trioli and more.
To watch the Main Event broadcast simply log on to the Australia Reads YouTube Channel HERE, subscribe and click on the bell to set a reminder for the program.
Of course, school library staff understand that books – in whatever shape, size, or form – are a great way to unwind, to learn new things, discover new stories, and feel all kinds of emotions. Please take the time to watch this incredible video of Australia Reads authors Danielle Binks, Jacqueline Harvey, and Virginia Trioli celebrating the value of school libraries!
WATCH: Australia Reads 2020. The importance of libraries.
Join us and unwind, get inspired and find joy in books! From islands, blue shores, bushland to red heart – Australia Reads.
Louise Sherwin-Stark
CEO of Hachette Australia and the Chair of the Australian Reads Committee
