AN EXCURSION to the Mount Gambier Library boasted souvenirs for Gordon Education Centre students recently, as each student was delighted to receive three books of their choice to take home and keep.
Over $13,000 worth of books was donated to four schools by the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier as part of the annual Books in Homes initiative, culminating in Friday’s presentation and a morning tea at the library.
“Books in Homes supports students by encouraging them to read at home and gives students the opportunity to select books they are interested in,” library children’s services development officer Kelly Lynch said.
“Students at four schools picked out three books each.
“The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier donated $13,000 to purchase the books.”
Books in Homes programs Australia-wide have delivered two million books to school-aged children.
Now in its fourth year, Mount Gambier’s Books in Homes initiative is a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier, Mount Gambier City Council and the Department for Education.
Mayor Andrew Lee thanked the Rotary club for its continued involvement and fundraising efforts.
“We are living in a very generous community and the Rotary club has worked hard to raise money to buy the books,” Mr Lee said.
“It is a fantastic initiative and we are lucky to have a beautiful library for children to borrow more books.”
Rotary Club of Mount Gambier’s Ian McDougall said he hoped Books in Homes would foster a life-long love of reading for each recipient.
“A book can take you any place you want to go – you can travel the world by reading a book,” he said to the young audience.
“Books are very important and they are even better than a computer or an iPad because you can hold a book and turn the pages.
“We hope you enjoy reading your books and return to the library to read some more.”
