The Great Book Swap 2019

The Cotton and Seymour Libraries are currently participating in the Great Book Swap, and are seeking donations for their own Big Book Swap on Tuesday 18 June. Hosted in the Seymour Library, students and staff can purchase donated books for a gold coin, with all proceeds of the event going toward supporting the work of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a national book industry charity, that aims to reduce the disadvantage experienced by children in remote Indigenous communities across Australia, by lifting literacy levels and instilling a lifelong love of reading. Working with over 280 remote communities, the foundation supplies books, presents early literacy programs and develops publishing projects with as many as eighty-eight books published, and some written in the first language.

Librarian, Mrs Avril Cross, spoke of how Somerville House has been a passionate supporter of the Great Book Swap and Indigenous Literacy Foundation since 2014.

“Having the opportunity to raise money for such a worthwhile cause that is linked to literacy and a love of reading in our remote communities is my favourite part of the Great Book Swap,” Mrs Cross said.

“The foundation does some marvellous work in the area of literacy, an area that all staff in our libraries are very passionate about,” she said.

“Encouraging reading and books within our own Somerville House community is just an added bonus.”

Any students or staff wishing to be involved in the event are encouraged to deliver their gently used books to either the Cotton or Seymour Library by lunchtime Monday 17 June, including picture books, young adult fiction in a range of genres, and adult fiction too. All donations are eligible for spirit points, with every five books donated receiving one spirit point.