National Reading Symposium
VOLUME is a free, online national symposium which brings together the broader Australian books and social change sectors to discuss effective approaches for building reading engagement.
Reading is vital for a healthier, happier and more connected country. Regular reading provides better education and employment outcomes, reduces our stress and loneliness, supports social connection, and increases our empathy for others.
Despite these benefits, national literacy and reading rates are declining for children and adults alike.
VOLUME provides a national platform for the books industry to come together to untangle the the issues affecting reading engagement and gain learnings from the social change sector, behavioural science, and international case studies.
The symposium looks at how we might tell a strong, unified story about the benefits of reading, and considered how we might work with partners and government to create a nation of readers.
Explore the program: VOLUME 2026
See the full program and speaker line-up for VOLUME 2026.
Register now: VOLUME 2026
Mark your calendars and register now for the 2026 VOLUME symposium!
Wednesday 21st October: Building a Reading Nation
Thursday 22nd October: Young Readers in Focus
VOLUME is free to attend and will be held online.
Watch back VOLUME 2023
VOLUME 2023 brought together thousands of book professionals from across the country to discuss approaches to building a reading nation.
Sessions included a keynote from Nardi Simpson, roadblocks to reading in Australia, insights from the social change sector, UK reading advocacy case studies, and a cross-industry discussion on how to grow national reading rates.
Watch back the VOLUME symposium in full below, or explore individuals sessions via our Youtube channel.
The 2026 VOLUME: National Reading Symposium is made possible thanks to the support of Writing Australia.
VOLUME Sponsor
VOLUME Supporter
