Gowrie Street Primary School students were treated to a memorable experience on Friday, November 29, as they entered their school hall to find a treasure trove of books. Hundreds of titles were on display, and each student was invited to select up to ten books to take home and treasure.

This initiative was made possible through a collaboration between 123Read2Me, The Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, and the Shepparton Central Rotary Club. The program aimed to ignite a passion for reading while fostering literacy skills both at school and at home.

“We are grateful for this community support,” said Gowrie Street Principal Eron Chapman. “This book project helps foster a love of literature and literacy both at school and home, and it is wonderful that the students are able to choose books that interest them.”

123Read2Me, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing free quality second-hand books to children regardless of their circumstances, has made a significant impact in the Greater Shepparton region. Earlier this year, the organisation donated 2,000 books to Mooroopna Park Primary School, a contribution that has since grown to 10,000 books distributed across schools including Banmira Specialist School, (formerly Verney Road School), Wilmot Road Primary, and St Georges Road Primary. This latest delivery was made in collaboration with The Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project and Shepparton Central Rotary Club, who share a long-standing partnership with Gowrie Street Primary School.

“It was great to see the students so excited about books,” said Rotarian Peter Johnson. “I was impressed to see many students picking books to take home and gift to family members.”

Schools or community groups interested in accessing books are encouraged to contact Lighthouse's Primary Projects Coordinator, Belinda Senini, at bsenini@gslp.com.au.