School Spotlight: Biggenden State School, QLD

Biggenden State School has been a proud participant in the Book Bank Program since 2023. Through the program, 115 students receive four books of their choice each year to build their own personal libraries, fostering a love of reading and giving them stories to cherish both at school and at home.

The program has had a profound impact on students’ engagement and confidence. At the start of the year, one Year 3 student was noticeably disengaged during literacy time, hesitant to participate, often keeping her head down, and expressing that she “wasn’t good at reading.” When introduced to the new collection of high-interest, culturally inclusive books, everything changed. She eagerly picked up a book of her choice, sat down, and began reading with genuine excitement. For the first time, she read because she wanted to, not because she had to, and her confidence and engagement grew immediately.

Across the program, students are showing greater enthusiasm for reading. They discuss what they’re reading, ask for recommendations, and look forward to library time. Learners who previously read only when required are now choosing to read during breaks, after school, or at home. The collection’s colourful, diverse, and high-interest books have captured the attention of students who previously showed little interest, supporting reading development at levels appropriate for each child.

“Students who used to read only when required now choose to read during breaks, after school, or at home. Learners who previously struggled appear less hesitant to pick up books.”

The Book Bank Program continues to make a lasting difference, encouraging reading for pleasure, building confidence, and inspiring students to explore new worlds through stories.