Explore the world without spending a cent this Book Week.
We're inviting kids aged 5-12 to join the fun by picking up a Wollongong City Libraries Book Week Reading Passport.
Their mission – should they choose to accept it – is to expand their horizons and explore books, creativity and the natural world.
Kids will earn stamps for each challenge completed, like reading a book by a new Australian author, reading in unexpected places, showcasing their creativity, and more. To make it even more enticing, there are seven Book Week prize packs up for grabs, with a tote bag, lanyard, badges, books and more valued at over $100 each.
Wollongong City Council Manager for Libraries and Community Facilities Sarah Taylor said that if there's one time to bring your primary schooler to visit your library, Children's Book Week is it.
"We've all heard the expression 'to get lost in a good book'. Reading is the perfect way to expose children to new perspectives and experiences beyond their immediate world.
"Importantly, studies show that reading is a powerful tool in developing empathy, helping children recognise emotions in themselves and others. Reading fiction, in particular, has been linked to improved emotional intelligence, which has positive outcomes for mental health, relationships and academic performance," Ms Taylor said.
"The Book Week Reading Passport has been developed with simple and achievable challenges to encourage kids to explore and really have a lot of fun with books, regardless of their current reading level or ability."
Children's Book Week® has been a fixture of Australia's literary landscape since 1945. Each year the Children's Book Council of Australia highlights the importance of reading by showcasing and celebrating Australian children's books, authors, and illustrators, with works recognised through the Book of the Year Awards.
Children are invited to pick up a Book Week Reading Passport from Corrimal, Dapto, Helensburgh, Thirroul, Unanderra, Warrawong or Wollongong libraries. Competition entries close 29 August.
As well as the Reading Passport, the Wollongong City Libraries team will be hosting school groups and special storytimes throughout Book Week. Staff are also busily putting the finishing touches on their costumes for the ever-popular, service-wide Book Week Dress-up Day on Monday 18 August.
Book Week takes place from 16 – 23 August 2025.
