December means the BIG Summer Read has started and young people have shown up in force for launch events at Dandenong Library and Keysborough Community Hub.
Mr Marvel from Cirque Mystique was on hand at Dandenong to celebrate the magic of reading with some magic tricks of his own.
He also delighted the crowd with mesmerising crystal balls, dazzling diabolo, unicycling stunts and comedy juggling routines.
Newly-elected Mayor, Councillor Sophie Tan joined in the fun encouraging every 4 to12-year-old in Greater Dandenong to join the summer reading challenge.
“We want to defend our title as Victoria’s Biggest Summer Readers! Taking part is also a great way to connect with our wonderful libraries and keep your reading up over the school holidays,” Cr Tan said.
Families in Greater Dandenong registered a total of 8931 books read over last summer.
“It was an amazing achievement but this year we have made it even easier to access our library service. With library lockers for pick-ups and returns open in Noble Park, and the new library service at Keysborough Community Hub, there are now more locations to access our great library catalogue.”
The Mayor added that there was still time to register and go into the running for the awesome grand prize of an adventure pack of vouchers to Melbourne Aqua Park, Bounce and Goanna Golf Dingley.
“You can also count the number of days or books you read to earn milestone prizes along the way and collect them from Dandenong, Springvale or Keysborough Community Hub Libraries.”
- Read 5 books or for 5 days - collect a sticker
- Read 10 books or for 10 days - collect coloured pencils
- Read 20 books or for 20 days - collect a bookmark
- Read 40 books or for 40 days - collect a sticker
- Read 60 books or for 60 days- collect a library bag
The BIG Summer Read finishes up on Saturday 31 January 2026, with a celebration, performance and prize presentation to be held at Springvale Library on Saturday 14 February 2026.
The BIG Summer Read is presented by Public Libraries Victoria and Greater Dandenong Libraries. Visit the BIG Summer Read for more information and to register.
