The BIG Summer Read is back!
1 December to 31 January
These school holidays, we challenge you to get reading for your chance to win BIG.
What is the BIG Summer Read?
The BIG Summer Read is an annual state-wide reading challenge for kids and young people. Read books and complete fun activities for your chance to win amazing prizes!
Who can play?
The challenge is open to everyone aged 0-18 who lives, works, or studies in the City of Melton. You will need a Melton City Libraries membership card to enter.
What do I need to do?
All you need to do is read 5 books (or read for 5 days) between 1 December 2025 and 31 January 2026. Yes, audiobooks and graphic novels count too! And, if you cannot read yet, a grown-up can read to you!
- Visit Melton or Caroline Springs Library and pick up an activity booklet.
- Read 5 books or read for 5 days over summer and log them in your booklet. Complete all 6 bonus activities for an extra entry into the prize draw. That’s two chances to win!
- Fill in your details on the front cover of the booklet and hand it in to a Melton City Libraries staff member by Monday 9 February 2026. You’ll also get a goodie bag for completing the challenge (while stocks last).
Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified via email by Friday 27 February 2026.
Prizes
When you finish the BIG Summer Read, visit your nearest Melton City Libraries branch to pick up a goodie bag!
By completing the challenge, you’ll also go into our local prize draw. Prizes will be based on your age.
- Two lucky readers aged 0-5 and 6-12 will each win a 12-month My Creative Box subscription. That’s a new box of fun, at-home STEM activities every month!
- One winner aged 13-18 years will receive a Kobo eReader.
You will also go into the state-wide prize draw to win additional prizes, thanks to Public Libraries Victoria, including:
- A curated book pack for ages 0-4 years
- A curated book bundle for ages 5-8 years
- A pair of Sony headphones for ages 9-12 years
- A Kobo eReader for ages 13-18 years
By entering the BIG Summer Read competition, you consent to have your details shared with Public Libraries Victoria. Competition Terms and Conditions apply.(PDF, 198KB)
The BIG Summer Read is proudly brought to you by Melton City Council and Melton City Libraries on behalf of Public Libraries Victoria, as well as public libraries in Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales, with thanks to this year’s BIG Summer Read sponsor: Bolinda BorrowBox, Story Box Library, Ulverscroft Group, and Wilkinson Publishing.
FAQs
Do I have to read for 5 days AND read at least 5 books?
No, you can choose to read 5 books, OR read for any 5 days over December and January. You don’t need to do both. We understand everyone is different, and that some kids might choose to read longer books than others.
What are the bonus activities?
The bonus activities include fun challenges and prompts to get you thinking about your reading and encouraging you to read widely. Complete all 6 activities for a second entry into the local prize draw. That’s another chance to win!
Do audiobooks and graphic novels count towards my reading log?
What if I cannot read on my own yet?
That’s ok! If you can’t read on your own yet, you can ask a grown-up to read to you.
What if I read more than 5 books?
Amazing work! While this won’t count towards your entry, we encourage you to read as many books as you like!
Do I have to read library books only?
No, you can read any books from anywhere!
I also have a library card with another public library service (outside of the City of Melton). Can I enter the BIG Summer Read more than once?
Possibly! Check with your other local libraries to see if they are offering a local prize draw. Prizes and competition Terms and Conditions may differ between library services. You may be eligible for prizes at other libraries; however you will only be able to enter the state-wide prize draw once.
Can I enter the state-wide prize draw AND the local prize draw?
Yes! When you complete your activity booklet and return it to us, you will automatically enter the local prize draw. If you’ve completed all 6 bonus activities as well as your reading, you’ll get TWO chances to win. We’ll also share your details with Public Libraries Victoria as part of the state-wide prize draw. That’s THREE chances to win!