Australian School Library Day (ASLD) is coming up on the 21st of August 2024 with this year’s theme: ‘School Libraries Build Brighter Futures.’

Australian School Library Day highlights the positive impact school libraries and staff make on the school community. The day celebrates school libraries as places of learning, collaboration, expression, creativity, and – crucially – as a place where a love of reading is fostered and flourishes.

Research shows that developing good reading habits at an early age aids in comprehension, critical thinking, empathy, and managing mental health. A well-curated and appealing library collection invites students to enjoy reading for pleasure, and activities and programs inspire engagement with content across formats.

Beyond the books, library staff equip students with essential skills like digital literacy, information literacy, and how to be safe online.

Australian School Library Day sits in the CBCA’s 2024 Children’s Book Week. It’s a week in which many library staff will have been going above and beyond, and a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise their contributions.

You can find resources activity ideas on the Students Need School Libraries website and the ALIA website – including a fillable gratitude card to give to your school library staff, scavenger hunt, and appreciation wall. Share your celebrations using hashtag #ASLD2024.