Big Summer Read
Join us this summer for Australia’s biggest library-supported reading challenge for kids and teens aged 0–18.
Starts on 1 December 2025 and finishes on 31 January 2026. Registration is free.
Borrow books! Read them! Win prizes!
Hornsby Shire Libraries are encouraging everyone to read over the summer break by taking part in the Big Summer Read.
Register now
Big Summer Read Silent Disco Party – Bookings open 2 January 2026
If your child/children have earned 3 entries into the Big Summer Read they can now attend the Silent Disco Party on Wednesday 21 January presented by Disco Peeps Australia. Collect your certificates and prizes here.
Book now
Prizes and certificates will be available at the event. If you are unable to attend the Disco Party, they will be available for collection from Thursday, 22 January 2026 at your local Hornsby Library branch. Prizes must be collected by Monday 9 February 2026.
How it works
Collect your starter kit from your local Hornsby Shire Library branch, or register online on the ReadBooks platform.
Track your reading with Reading Log Bookmarks or online.
For every 5 days of reading, you earn a mascot sticker. Return your bookmark or show library staff your online log to collect your sticker. Keep reading all summer long to collect all 8 mascots.
Everyone who earns at least 3 stickers, earns a certificate, a reward for their reading, and is eligible to attend the celebration Silent Disco on 21 January 2026 at Hornsby Library.
For every 5 days of reading logged online, you also earn an entry into the national prize draw.
National major prizes include:
- 0-4 years age category – Picture Book Bundle Pack
- 5-8 years age category – Books and Activity Pack
- 9-12 years age category – Bluetooth Headphones
- 13-18 years age category – Kobo eReader
Why read?
Reading (along with talking, playing and singing together) literally grows children’s brains in their first five years.
And children who read regularly do better in all subjects at school.
As we grow up and age, the proven benefits of reading for pleasure include reducing depression, loneliness and dementia, and increasing empathy, self-esteem and cultural awareness.
What counts?
Any book! Picture books, audiobooks, graphic novels – even listening to someone read or re-reading your fav. You can read 5 individual books or, if reading a longer book, this can be logged multiple times.
The Fine Print:
- Participants must have their own library membership.
- Participants must read or be read to at least five days during the program to earn a sticker and an entry into the national prize draw. You can read 5 individual books or, if reading a longer book, this can be logged multiple times. For every additional 5 days of reading, participants will receive one additional entry into the prize draw.
- You must obtain at least 3 stickers/ 3 entries (15 days of reading minimum) in the major prize draw to qualify for your Certificate and to attend the Big Summer Read Silent Disco on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
- All entries must be logged or returned to your local Hornsby Shire Library branch before Monday 9 February 2026. No late entries will be accepted.
- For further information about the National major prize drawer, please refer to the Big Summer Read Terms and Conditions.