Celebrating 15 years of Reading Rabbits

Sparking a love of reading in Year 1 students in our community

For 15 years, the Reading Rabbits program has been igniting a passion for reading among the Shire’s Year 1 students. 

Students receive a Reading Rabbits pack during school visits in Term 1. The pack includes library information, colouring activities and a reading rewards voucher card. 

The children earn stamps on their card for each library visit, with prizes awarded as incentives. After eight stamps, they receive a $10 book voucher for the Margaret River Bookshop.

During school visits, librarian Rachel discusses the joys of reading, explains the program and plays a fun game. The response from students is always positive, with many eager to visit the library and find books to read.

This initiative, funded by the Rotary Club of Margaret River, Margaret River Bookshop and our Shire Libraries, continues to inspire young readers and promote a lifelong love of books.

The program encourages children to get excited about reading. The name "Reading Rabbits" was inspired by a rabbit spotted in the library garden during the brainstorming meeting.

Students from seven local schools within our Shire participate in the program. Home-schooled and Montessori students can also join by visiting the public library to obtain their packs.

This year, 245 packs were handed out, bringing the total to approximately 3,600 since the program began in 2010. 

Reading Rabbits won the Community Literacy Initiative Award at the 2024 Australian Booksellers Association conference in Melbourne. Submitted by the Margaret River Bookshop – an independent, community-driven store known for its literacy advocacy – the program stood out among national entries. Since the award, bookshops in Alice Springs and Torquay have expressed interest in embedding the program in their own communities.

For older kids, we also offer Book Bandicoots, a reading incentive program for children aged 7-17. This program rewards students with a $15 voucher to the Margaret River Bookshop after 10 library visits and a book review.

Shire President Julia Meldrum said Reading Rabbits is a shining example of what can be achieved through community collaboration and a shared love of reading. 

“We look forward to many more years of inspiring young readers.”