STUDENTS from Macleay Island State School received a windfall of books on Friday thanks to the Dymocks Children’s Charities Library Regeneration program.
Community fundraising from staff and customers at Dymocks Garden City and Dymocks Carindale raised about $2600 and Dymocks Children’s Charities doubled the value to deliver books worth $5200 to the Macleay school library.
The school received 320 books, more than two per student.
The aim of the Library Regeneration program is to help improve students’ literacy by providing books and promoting daily reading for pleasure.
The students put in a wishlist of their favourite reads including picture books by Mem Fox and Jackie French, classics by Dr Seuss and Eric Carle, contemporary fiction by Australian bestsellers Jacqueline Harvey and Belinda Murrell as well as reference books and class sets.
Macleay Island State School teacher librarian Amanda Winchester said the books had rekindled students’ interest in reading.
“I see the library as the heart of the school,” Ms Winchester said.
“Reading opens the world to the children and gives them the chance to see the world through others' eyes. It helps students develop empathy and heart through story.
“Giving students a love of reading will help open their eyes to a lifetime love of learning.”
Ms Winchester said the students and teachers were thrilled to receive the books at a special assembly on Friday, November 9.
“It felt like winning the lotto,” she said.
“This donation has made a huge impact and will help regenerate our library.”
Dymocks Children’s Charities general manager Terri Martin said the books would help improve literacy opportunities for all students.
“Library Regeneration helps reduce any gaps between children from different socio-economic background by giving access to all,” Ms Martin said.
“Many children do not have access to books at home and are completely reliant upon their schools and local libraries to provide reading material to improve their literacy.”
“It is undeniable that those who are less literate achieve significantly worse life outcomes than their peers.
“We know that kids who read for pleasure daily are more likely to become life-long learners and that’s why Library Regeneration is so vital.”