Mayor’s Reading Challenge - 16 years of inspiring young readers!

Published on 28 July 2026

Young readers across Frankston City are invited to turn the page on another exciting adventure as the Mayor’s Reading Challenge returns this August for its 16th year.

The month-long program encourages preschoolers to read 60 books and children in Prep to Grade 2 to read 30 books throughout August, rewarding young readers with a special completion pack and the chance to win Bookish prize vouchers.

This annual initiative helps foster a lifelong love of reading while supporting children’s early literacy, learning and development.

Frankston City Mayor Sue Baker said the challenge had become a much-loved annual tradition, helping children build confidence and life-long literacy skills.

“The Mayor's Reading Challenge has been inspiring young readers in our community for 16 years, and it's wonderful to see more children taking part every year,” Mayor Baker said.

"Reading with children from an early age helps build confidence, curiosity and the skills they need for school and beyond. Just as importantly, it creates special moments for families to spend time together.”

Last year's challenge achieved record participation, with 437 children completing the challenge—an increase of 130 participants from the previous year.

Together, participants read more than 23,500 books throughout August, surpassing the previous record of 18,000 books. More than 200 bonus entries were also earned by children reading through the BorrowBox app.

The Mayor's Reading Challenge supports Council's commitment to improving early years literacy and school readiness by providing free, accessible opportunities for children and families to read, learn and connect.

The challenge begins with a free Alice in Wonderland-themed Launch Party at Frankston Library on Friday 31 July from 4.00 – 5.00pm.

Families are invited to dress as their favourite Alice in Wonderland characters and enjoy a magical afternoon featuring a themed Storytime, scavenger hunt, Mad Hatter hat-making activities and light refreshments.

No registration is required. Reading logs and activity booklets can be collected throughout August from Frankston, Carrum Downs and Seaford Libraries, or from library staff at any of the 18 Storytime sessions held each week.

The Mayor's Reading Challenge runs from Saturday 1 August - Monday 31 August 2026.

For more information, visit the Frankston City Libraries website.