Kids, read down your fines these school holidays

Kids and teens under 18 are encouraged to read down their library fines these winter school holidays. The Read Down Your Fines program gives children the opportunity to decrease or remove overdue charges by simply reading in the library for Dewey Dollars.

Each Goldfields Libraries branch will provide a designated space for kids to sit and read down their fines. For every 15 minutes they read, kids will earn one Dewey Dollar which will help to reduce their fines. To begin the program kids simply check in with library staff and register their name and start time.

Kids can bring along their favourite reading material, or browse the library shelves to find something before they start. Any type of material counts, including books, comics, magazines and newspapers.

Children who do not have their own library card can still earn Dewey Dollars for any charges accrued from borrowing children’s materials on their parent or caregiver’s card. Parents or caregivers are also encouraged to read to younger children if they cannot read themselves.

“Reading is a fundamental skill and it’s so important that we encourage and nurture kids to develop and further it whenever we can. Not only does reading help literacy skills, it also helps with concentration, empathy, critical thinking and it sets kids up to succeed later in life,” Says Jess Saunders, Castlemaine Library Manager.

“No one likes library fines, so we’re giving kids the chance to get rid of them by just simply reading. It’s easy, it’s free, and who knows, they may discover their new favourite book!”

The Read Down Your Fines program will run during the winter school holidays, from Monday 2 until Friday 13 July, and will be available at all Goldfields Libraries branches. For more information contact your local library branch, or go to www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au