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This article was published on Monday, 12 August, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Donations needed for children’s Best Start Book Drive

In Summary

Council seeks children’s book donations for Best Start’s inaugural Book Drive, running throughout August 2024.
Best Start, a State Government initiative, supports families with children aged birth to eight, emphasising language and literacy skills.
Council encourages families to donate good quality children’s board books and picture books to support early literacy in the community.
Books can be dropped off at the Greater Shepparton City Council Offices or arrange a pick-up by contacting Belinda Schmedje.

Best Start is a State Government initiative providing support to families and caregivers with children aged birth to eight years. Best Start has a strong focus on the development of language and literacy skills, with many of the programs promoting the importance of reading to children. These programs require a regular supply of books.

To coincide with the Children’s Book Council Australia (CBCA) book week, from Saturday 17 August to Friday 23 August 2024, Best Start is launching their Book Drive campaign, seeking book contributions from community members throughout August.

Council have contributed to the Book Drive for the last four years, collecting over 1,500 books so far. Council is asking Greater Shepparton families to donate any unwanted good quality children’s board books and children’s picture books.

Council’s Director Community, Louise Mitchell, praised the initiative and why it is so important for our community to donate.

“This is a great initiative that was launched successfully for the first time during COVID. Quite often children will grow out of books, so being able to share and donate pre-loved books provides the opportunity for other kids to develop crucial early literary skills,” she said.

“Reading and sharing different stories can encourage their imagination, develop focus and concentration and develop language and communication.”

If you are looking to declutter your home and contribute to the community, books can be dropped at a collection point at the Greater Shepparton City Council Offices at 90 Welsford Street. Collection will take place from Monday 12 August to Friday 23 August 2024.

Alternatively, an arrangement can be made for books to be picked up by emailing Belinda Schmedje at belinda.schmedje@shepparton.com.au.