Thousands of Books donated to Encourage Young Aussies to Get Reading
Amazon Australia donates thousands of books worth over $30,000 in support of grass-roots community street libraries and partners with the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation to donate a further $20,000 worth of books to support primary school libraries.
The donation is designed to support communities that have taken it upon themselves to invest in reading and instill a love of books in the next generation. In addition, Amazon Australia is donating a further $20,000 of books to bolster 40 primary school libraries across the country, in partnership with the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation and this year’s Children’s Laureate, celebrated Aussie author Morris Gleitzman. Each school chosen by the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation will receive a $500 voucher to spend on books alongside a recommended list of books chosen by Gleitzman and the Foundation. All Hallows Catholic Primary School, Five Dock was one of the lucky schools to receive this donation. They were visited by Morris himself. Mr Gleitzman understands the transformative power of reading from an early age.
“There is so much competing for kids’ attention these days that it is more important than ever for us to play an active role in developing their love of reading,” said Gleitzman. “We are excited to partner with Amazon Australia to give new books to libraries in some of the schools that are most in need across the country.”
Explaining the impact both school and community street libraries can have on growing minds, Gleitzman pointed to a study that found people who grow up in book-filled homes have higher reading, mathematics, and technological skills, “We know that reading from an early age has an enormous effect on a whole range of skills as children move through life. This generous donation from Amazon Australia of more than $50,000 worth of books to libraries both in schools and in local communities will mean there will be more books in the hands of more Aussie kids,” Mr Gleitzman said.
Rocco Braeuniger, Country Manager for Amazon Australia, said, “Amazon started as a book seller over twenty years ago and books are still a part of our DNA today. With millions of books available on amazon.com.au, or digitally through a Kindle reading device or the Kindle app, we provide customers with a vast selection of books to read, however they want. We are passionate about reading and are excited to be partnering with the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation to support community libraries and school libraries across the country with books to help young Australians foster their love of reading.”
From the Jodie McGregor Flowers Library in Annandale, NSW, to the Hovea Street Library in Crescent City Beach, WA, Australia’s grassroots street libraries have welcomed Amazon Australia’s help connecting families and children via book-sharing.
To discover more about how reading changes lives customers can visit the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation or customers can find their next read atAmazon.com.au.
The Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation’s Book Picks for Kids
“As a children’s author and the current children’s laureate, I’m part of a community of people who believe that reading changes young people’s lives for the better. Our love of books makes us friends, and like all friends we recommend books to each other. Now, thanks to our friends at Amazon Australia, we can share our favourite books with you too. We hope you enjoy them – and share them with your friends,” Morris Gleitzman said.
K-2, ages 5-7
- Monster Party by the Children of Rawa Community School and Alison Lester and Jane Godwin
- A is for Australian Animals by Frane Lessac
- Pig the Tourist Aaron Blabey
Years 3-4, ages 8-10
- Miss Franklin by Libby Hathorn and Phil Lesnie
- Grimsdon by Deborah Abela
- Ninja Kid by Anh Do
- Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables by Tim Harris
Years 5-6, Ages 11-12
- Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan
- Young Dark Emu: A Truer History by Bruce Pascoe
- Don’t Follow Vee by Oliver Phommavanh
- Detention by Tristan Bancks
Customers can access the recommended titles with a discount of 20% on amazon.com.au/booksdonation