Book Week Isn’t Just for Kids: Let’s Celebrate Stories Together!

Book Week (17–23 August) is more than costumes and children’s books — it’s a time to celebrate the power of stories at every age. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, librarian or supporter, this is your chance to reflect on the books that shaped you, and to pass that joy on to the next generation.

This year, make Book Week even more meaningful by joining the Library Boost Project, our flexible fundraiser that helps put brand-new books into school libraries where they’re needed most.

Here are a few simple (and fun) ways for adults to get involved:

• Organise a dress-up day

• Host a  book swap

• Run a story-themed morning tea

• Share your favourite childhood book on social media and tag us!

Every activity can help promote a love of reading or raise funds to support our literacy programs. If you’re not taking part in a fundraiser, remember you can still join us for Giving Day on Thursday, 21 August, where every donation will be matched, doubling your impact for children in need.

Get involved or learn more here!

Inspired Readers Festival returning to Port Macquarie

We're thrilled to announce that the Inspired Readers Festival is heading back to Port Macquarie in Term 4, Week 5 from Tuesday 11 to Thursday 13 November 2025!

After a hugely successful event in 2024, we're once again bringing the magic of books and storytelling back to the Mid-North Coast, creating unforgettable moments for young readers. This three-day literary celebration is designed especially for primary school students, with sessions that connect them directly with some of Australia's most celebrated children's authors.

The Inspired Readers Festival is about more than just books, it's about building community through literacy, especially in regional areas where access to author visits and literary events is rare.

Want to get involved?

Whether you're a teacher, parent, business, or book lover, there are so many ways to support this powerful event:

• Learn more about the festival online

• Become a sponsor

• Share with a school in the area

• Express interest in volunteering

Let's work together to spark a lifelong love of reading in every child.

Learn more here!

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, 21 August — Giving Day 2025

This Book Week, we're doing something extra special, and we want you to be part of it. On Thursday, 21 August, join us for Giving Day, our annual celebration of generosity, literacy, and community.

Thanks to the incredible support of our Foundation Partner, Dymocks Books and Gifts, every dollar donated will be matched*, doubling your impact for children in need.

Right now, too many Australian children are missing out on the life-changing magic of books. Your support on Giving Day helps us provide brand-new, high-quality books into the hands of children who need them most, boosting their literacy skills, confidence, and future opportunities.

How to Get Involved:

• Donate online from anywhere.

• Visit your local Dymocks store and donate at the checkout.

• Become a matched giving partner

• Give $500+ and you will be proudly displayed on our 25th Birthday Virtual Donor Wall, commemorating your impact during this milestone year.

Plus, something special is happening in-store!

Dymocks will be hosting exciting events at select stores, including author visits and other celebrations. Stay tuned for announcements!

Whether you're a lifelong reader, a first-time donor, or simply passionate about giving kids a brighter future, Giving Day is your chance to make a real difference — and have your impact doubled.

School Spotlight: Merbein P-10 College, VIC

Merbein P-10 College, located in one of the most geographically remote areas of Victoria, is home to over 650 students who face significant financial, social, and geographical challenges.

Thanks to our Library Regeneration program, the school has received 520 brand-new books, transforming an outdated collection into a vibrant, welcoming space for reading. These books are opening doors to new worlds, ideas, and opportunities, right where they’re needed most. A huge thank you to our supporters. Together, we’re making the joy of reading accessible to every child, no matter where they live.

A Special Moment at the Dymocks Conference

Last week, we had the pleasure of attending the annual Dymocks Conference — and what a heartening reminder it was of just how deeply the Dymocks store network cares about children’s literacy.

Our General Manager, Melanie Smith, had the opportunity to present on the impact your support is having and share our bold vision for the year ahead. As Melanie said on the day:

“Every book we place into a child’s hands is a step toward a brighter future — and none of it is possible without our generous community of supporters.”

We also had the joy of catching up with our incredible ambassador, Jacqueline Harvey, who lit up the room with her passion and humour during her presentation. Jacqueline is a fierce advocate for children’s literacy, and it was wonderful to see her in action.

And finally, a huge congratulations to Dymocks Wollongong, named our Dymocks Children’s Charities Champion Store for their outstanding support and fundraising efforts over the past year. Their enthusiasm and commitment to getting books into the hands of children who need them most truly set the standard.

It was an energising few days, and we left feeling more motivated than ever to keep growing our reach, with your support at the heart of it all.

Celebrating nine years of partnership and generosity from Koppers

Thanks to their continued support, 978 students from five schools, including Ulmarra Public School, are benefiting from our Book Bank Program this year alone. This program provides essential access to books and reading resources that help foster a lifelong love of reading.

Since the partnership began, Koppers has helped over 4,000 children access books and tools they need to build literacy skills, boost confidence, and open doors to new opportunities.

Maree Cook, a Koppers representative who visited the school in June, shared:

“The partnering of Koppers Wood Products with Dymocks Children's Charities to support literacy in our schools is an important program to us. Supplying children with books to take home and enjoy! We were pleased to see the students were so excited to be able to select a book they were interested in. Great to see so many keen readers!”

Koppers' support has created a lasting legacy in the communities they serve, empowering young learners to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.