Promoting the Love of Books and Stories: How to Get Involved in Australian Reading Hour

Australian Reading Hour is held on the 9th of March and is an exciting opportunity for school librarians to promote the love of books and stories among their students. This national day encourages Australians to spend one hour reading, sharing, and enjoying their favourite books. In this blog, we'll explore how you can get involved and make the most of Australian Reading Hour to inspire your school students.

What to Read During Australian Reading Hour

One of the best things about Australian Reading Hour is that it offers a chance to introduce students to new authors and books. This can open up a whole world of literature that they may not have been exposed to before. By selecting books that align with the students' interests, librarians can help students discover new genres, authors, and titles that they may have never encountered on their own. This can be particularly beneficial for students who may be reluctant readers, as it can help them realise that there is a book out there for everyone. By introducing students to new authors and books, it can inspire them to explore new topics and perspectives, expanding their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. 

A great way for younger students to meet their new favourite books is through Orbits' 'Pick & Click'. This is specifically designed for the Junior school library to help younger students to easily discover books they will love by searching for titles that match their interests and hobbies. As an example, if a student wants to read about animals, they can simply click on the 'Animals' icon.

Students can narrow down their search by selecting specific subcategories, making it easier to find the perfect book. Alternatively, they can select "Go" to see books related to all animals.

For this example, the student would like to read about dinosaurs. 

Students can explore different book options and narrow down their search preferences by selecting their desired reading format such as picture, story, or fact book. They can also check the availability and loan out their preferred books seamlessly.

We've even created an Orbit guided tour for students that shows how to use Orbit effectively to find their next great read. 

Another way to get students excited about reading is by creating a reading list in Oliver. You could even add your personal recommendations to a list like "Mrs. Smith's favourite reading books for Australian Reading Hour" and inspire your students to explore new books and authors. 

How to Incorporate Australian Reading Hour into your School Library?

To incorporate Australian Reading Hour into your school library, you could organise a lesson plan or lunch time event where students can read their favourite books uninterrupted. This creates a relaxed and fun atmosphere that encourages students to share their favourite books with each other. 

Additionally, the Australia Reads organisation has provided free downloadable resources that can be used to promote this day in your school and on social media. These resources include posters, bookmarks, and social media graphics that will help you raise awareness of Australian Reading Hour and encourage your students to participate.

Contact the Oliver Team! 

Australian Reading Hour is an excellent opportunity for you to promote the love of books and stories among your students. By encouraging them to read, sharing your personal recommendations, and organising events, you can help your students get the most out of this exciting day.

Don't forget to use the handy features in Orbit and Oliver to help your students find books they will love. For more information on Australian Reading Hour, visit the Australia Reads website, and if you need help promoting this day with Oliver, don't hesitate to contact us at communications@softlinkint.com.

Looking for more ways to promote the love of reading among your students?

• Ready to inspire a love of reading in your students? Check out our promoting a reading for pleasure blog for tips and resources on how to get started!
• Check out this blog post on literacy and digital literacy ideas for a variety of concepts to encourage reading for enjoyment, along with several helpful resource links to support your efforts.
• Whether you're a seasoned reader or just starting out, Australian Reading Hour is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the magic of books. Discover how you can take part and make a difference in your school library by hosting your own reading event.