We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on La Perouse Public School, a long-time participant in our Book Bank Program, which they've proudly been part of since 2012! This core literacy initiative provides students in years 3–6 with a new book each term throughout primary school. Books they have been able to choose themselves, based on their unique interests and tastes.
The opportunity for children to choose their own books is a powerful aspect of this program. It allows children to feel a sense of ownership and excitement about reading, fostering a personal connection to the stories they choose. By empowering students to pick books that resonate with their passions—whether it's adventure, mystery, or exploring the natural world—we help cultivate a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.
Through the program, the students of La Perouse have been steadily building their home libraries. For many, these books are the only ones they will own during their childhood, making them more meaningful and creating a lasting connection to the joys of reading. Research highlights that giving children the ability to choose their own books is one of the most effective ways to foster a love of reading. This sense of choice empowers children to explore their interests, discover new passions, and engage deeply with stories that resonate with them.
The principal of La Perouse Public School shared:
"The Book Bank program is one of the most powerful and beneficial I have been involved in. The quality of a text is extremely important when trying to engage students in reading. I heard from a parent of their child… of a new-found enjoyment of reading. This really was a WOW moment for me and will probably change the trajectory of this child's life."
At Dymocks Children's Charities, we believe every child deserves to explore the magical worlds books have to offer and to build a personal library they can cherish. We're so proud to have supported La Perouse Public School over the years and can't wait to see where their students' reading adventures take them next!