A child’s relationship with books and reading is as individual as the child themselves. Within families, there will be children who read voraciously while their siblings require constant encouragement to read.
If you are looking for a way to help ignite a child’s love of reading, or at least introduce them to new books, then signing up to a reading program or book club may be just the thing to get them started.
While local council libraries have annual reading programs available, there are also some online programs and others in bookstores too.
Kids’ Reading Club Programs in Brisbane
Summer Reading Program – Local Council Libraries
The Summer Reading program encourages children of all ages and reading abilities to complete challenges to work their way through their Summer Reading Program booklet.
Signing up to be a part of the Summer Reading program is as simple as visiting your participating local library, becoming a library member (if you are not one already) and signing up to the program.
Once you have signed up, you will receive a booklet and you can start reading. Each time you complete a reading challenge, pop into your nearest library to receive a stamp.
Participating in the program is a great way to discover new books, improve your reading ability and complete fun activities and challenges while sharing the love of books and reading with friends and family.
To find your nearest participating library visit:
Brisbane City Council Libraries
Redlands City Council Libraries
Where the Wild Things Are book shop – In-store Book Club
For a face-to-face book club where reading, fun and discussions are celebrated, join one of the three book clubs at the fabulous book shop, Where the Wild Things Are in West End. Treehouse Book Club (7–10-year old’s), Wonder Club (10-13-year old’s) and Wilder Book Club (13 years +) are run by friendly facilitators who are experienced and passionate booksellers and enjoy the books as much as the participants.
Clubs meet twice a term to discuss the chosen book, but also to enjoy some fun games and snack. There is a small fee associated with each book club, but this ticket does include the book you are reading, the book club discussion and a yummy afternoon tea.
Check out Where the Wild Things Are website for more information.
Lit Club 4 Kids – Online
Provided by the Dymocks Children’s Charities, the Lit Club 4 Kids is a free, online book club where participants are introduced to new books and authors throughout the year. Each term a new book is chosen to read and at the end of the term participants have the chance to ask the author questions at a special online event. How cool is that!?
The Lit Club 4 Kids is open to children of all ages, though the books are primarily aimed at 8-13-year-olds.
To join the Club or find out more information head to Lit Club 4 Kids
Summer Reading Club – Online
Each year The State Library of Queensland proudly offers an online Summer Reading Club. The free program invites participants to read books and complete activities.
Challenges such as reading a ‘choose your own adventure’ book, listening to a podcast or reading a story around a campfire (or torch) are just some of the fun activities on offer in the Club. You can even post a picture of you completing the challenges for others to see.
Book reviews written by other participants, can be found on the website too. You can even submit your own book review for others to view!
More information can be found at the Summer Reading Club website.
Rebel Readers Alliance – Online
This popular online book club, run by Bec Sparrow and Jane Sullivan, is designed for tweens, children aged 9-12. Participating in the Club is a great way to make new friends, explore shared experiences and of course read new books and chat about it afterwards. Each month presents a new book to read, specially chosen to evoke connection, gratitude and discussion.
Monthly book chats, a reading guide, exclusive author interviews, quizzes, crosswords and regular giveaways make this book club fun, engaging and informative.
Additional information can be found at the Rebel Readers Alliance website.
If you are still searching for other ways to encourage children to read then check out Creative Ways to Make Reading Fun or for those starting out on their reading journey, read about the fun reading program, ABC Reading Eggs.
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