National Shared Reading Week

Monday October 28 - Sunday November 3, 2024

What is National Shared Reading Week?

Shared reading is simply reading with others.

National Shared Reading Week is an opportunity for Street Librarians all over the country to connect with their communities and enjoy reading together.

Let’s read!

How do I get involved?

Joining in is simple. Your Shared Reading Event can be as low-key or as epic  as you like. All you need is a registered Street Library, at least one book, and a small audience. Then simply nominate your chosen time between Monday October 28 and Sunday November 3 and enter the details of your event so the community can find it on our map.

It can be in your front yard with a book selected from your Street Library, or it can be in your school hall or community centre with a special guest. It can be a super-short five minute read, or it can be an afternoon (or late night get together) of lazy poetry with your friends.

After registration, you will receive a Shared Reading pack. This includes; an event badge for your library, a downloadable colour poster and customisable flyers, and a handy guide on hosting and promoting your event.

Read With Storybox Hub

Angus and Lucy love books. They have hundreds of them. But when the books are taken away, Angus and Lucy’s family soon discover they cannot live without them.

The Children Who Loved Books is a warm and moving celebration of books and the way in which they bring us all together.

To celebrate National Shared Reading Week the folks at Storybox Hub are sharing this wonderful story – written, illustrated and read by the enormously talented Peter Carnavas – with followers of Street Library Australia.

Why?

Reading is one of the most influential factors in determining success in school and in life*.

Shared book reading builds children’s understanding of words, spoken language, and general cognitive development (e.g. brain skills like memory and problem solving). 

It also strengthens our social connections, building robust, adaptable, friendly communities. A good book shared creates common ground!

As a child, I lost myself in books and stories. For me, they were truly an escape. A lifeline. A portal into a world beyond my own reality. I love the idea of ‘shared reading’ because it connects human hearts through words and stories. It’s food for the soul.

Maryam Master, Author
No Words, Exit Through The Gift Shop, Laughter Is The Best Ending

Read Street Library Australia's Child Safe Policy