For those of us who love books and reading, we know the transformative effect they can have on our lives – transporting us to different worlds, enriching our experiences, and expanding our horizons.
Research shows that people who read regularly report higher self-esteem, are less lonely, and are more likely to empathise with others. Reading also slows the heart rate, reduces stress and can even extend our lives.
Despite these wide-ranging benefits, an increasing number of Australians are missing out on the joys and benefits of reading for pleasure. Read our tips and ideas for how to champion books and reading in your community.
Talk about books with your friends and family
Just because we often read alone, doesn’t mean that reading should be a solitary act. By talking about books in our homes, workplaces and communities, we make reading more visible, and enrich the experience through sharing it with others.
Ask your friends and family about what they’re reading, or share your thoughts about a book you’ve enjoyed recently. If those around you aren’t current readers, try to understand what they’re interests are, and adopt an open-minded approach to their potential reading tastes and recommendations. Talking about favourite books from childhood is another great way to involve people in the conversation.
Support your local libraries
Libraries are an essential part of the infrastructure that supports reading in our communities – providing a free, welcoming, and democratic space to access books and reading. Support your local library by becoming a member, borrowing books, and getting involved in events.
Those involved in their school community can also be a vocal champion about the importance of well-funded libraries, as well as knowledgeable and dedicated teacher-librarian staff, to support students’ love of reading.
You can find out more about campaigns to support libraries via the Libraries Change Lives and Students Need School Libraries initiatives.
Attend (and host!) live literature events
Live events are a vital and engaging way of connecting communities with authors, illustrators, and the joys of reading.
You can help foster a stronger reading culture in your community by attending local literary events, talks, and workshops, and inviting others along with you. Take your family to Storytime at your local library, or attend talks at your local bookstore or literary festival.
Have access to a space to host events? Read our tips on how to host a great live literature event, and discover our event planning guide and checklist to make it as easy as possible to invite authors and illustrators into your communities.
Start or join a bookclub
Starting or joining a book club is another great way to foster conversations about books and reading.
Read our handy guide to starting your own book club, or discover existing book clubs around Australia.
Stuck for ideas? Explore our list of book club prompts, or head to publisher’s websites to see what reading group notes they have available.
Visit your local bookstore
Local bookshops play an important role in championing books and reading in communities. Booksellers know their stock, and can provide a wealth of personalised reading recommendations. Bookstores generally have newsletters and reading guides, and can be a welcoming hub for literary talks and events.
Browse and buy from your local bookstore, and take others along with you. Research shows that when readers choose their own reading material, they’re more likely to enjoy it – so instead of buying a book for family and friends, why not give them a voucher to choose themselves?
Read local stories
From our First Nations storytellers, to award-winning children’s authors, and bestselling crime writers – there’s no shortage of great Australian books to transport and inspire you.
By buying and borrowing local books, you’re supporting Australian authors and creators, and ensuring our industry can continue to publish stories and voices that reflect our diverse range of experiences.
Looking for your next great Australian read? Explore BookPeople’s 100 Must Read Australian Novels. Educators looking to champion Australian stories in the classroom can find suggestions and resources via Reading Australia.
Start a street library
Street libraries are a fun and visible way to share books with your community, and show that you’re an active reading champion.
Stock your library with a range of quality reading materials for all ages, and encourage others to read and contribute. Find out more at Street Library Australia.
Keep up to date
Here at Australia Reads, we’re always looking to share the latest research, resources, and updates around how to support reading for pleasure.
Sign up to our enewsletter or explore our latest news and articles to find great tools, tips and ideas about how you can help create a reading culture in your community.