From Curious Readers to Confident Critical Thinkers

Through our libraries, student-led clubs, programs and annual Festival of Stories, MLC nurtures a culture of reading that supports students from Kindle to Year 12.

Each year, MLC Libraries celebrates Book Week as part of their annual Festival of Stories, bringing together students, staff, families, alumnae and authors in a shared celebration of storytelling. This year's theme, ‘Symphony of Stories’, reflects the many voices, experiences and perspectives that come together through reading, creating opportunities for students across the College to discover new stories and new ways of thinking.

As Inger Krueger, Director of MLC Libraries explains, “We believe that fostering a love of reading is one of the most meaningful ways we can prepare our students for life beyond the classroom.”

“Reading nurtures imagination, empathy, and critical thinking – skills that help our young people engage deeply with the world around them.”

The Festival will extend beyond the classroom. Events such as the alumnae conversation with Alice Pung and the MLC Libraries book showcase, ‘Beyond BookTok: Discover Your Daughter's Next Read’, bring together wider MLC community in a shared celebration of reading and literary culture.

For students in the Junior School, Book Week is often a highlight of the year. It is a time of imagination, creativity and discovery, where favourite characters step off the page and stories come to life through shared experiences.

"Book Week is such a wonderful opportunity to stop and celebrate the joy of reading together. Reading is often thought of as a solitary activity," explains Caitlin Williams, Junior School Teacher Librarian. "While this is important, it is so valuable for children to see reading as a shared experience. I love seeing students connect with their peers during Book Week activities like our author visits or the many lunchtime activities on offer."

Throughout the week, Junior School students will have the opportunity to hear directly from celebrated authors including Nova Weetman, Anna McGregor, Emma Gourlay and Sarah Speedie. The sessions are tailored to each year level, so students are introduced to stories and ideas that reflect their interests and stage of development.

At the heart of Book Week is the Junior School Library, a welcoming space where students are encouraged to explore, ask questions and discover books that resonate with them.

"Our role is to nurture a love of reading by connecting students with the right books at the right time," says Caitlin.

"This can be through our weekly library lessons, lunchtime clubs, or library access before and after school. We develop a reading culture by encouraging students to recommend books to their peers, suggest new books for the collection, and to develop the skills to search for books that match their interests."

^{Acclaimed author Maxine Beneba Clarke will return to MLC this year to talk with Year 10 students.}

While activities spark imagination and discovery in the Junior School, the Festival of Stories also helps older students explore increasingly complex ideas, perspectives and experiences through literature.

"Celebrating books and reading matters just as much in Years 7 to 12 as it does in the junior years," explains Inger. "Teenagers are often searching for books that help them make sense of who they are, navigate friendships and challenges, learn of people who are different from them, explore big ideas, and imagine the futures they might create."

This year, students will engage with an outstanding line-up of authors, including Jane Godwin, Amie Kaufman and Maxine Beneba Clarke. Through fiction, memoir and contemporary storytelling, students will be encouraged to think critically, broaden their perspectives and reflect on experiences beyond their own.

“Whether students are drawn to fantasy, history, mystery, memoirs or social commentary, MLC Libraries aim to provide rich pathways for exploration,” says Inger.

The student-led Literature Club, reflects this diversity. Already this year, the club has investigated the mystery genre, questioned what makes a “classic” and will now embark on exploring mythology and folklore from around the world.

"Events like Festival of Stories show students that reading can be social, creative, and a lot of fun," reflects Inger. "Most importantly, we want students to leave school with more than the ability to read. We want them to leave still wanting to read. By continuing to celebrate books throughout the secondary years, we keep reading relevant, joyful, and very much alive beyond the classroom."

Of course, one of the most anticipated traditions across the College is Book Character Dress-Up Day, where students and staff – including our Principal Julia Shea – celebrate beloved literary characters. From Prep to Year 12, it reinforces that simple but powerful message: reading is something to be enjoyed, shared and celebrated as a community.

^{Principal Julia Shea dressed up for Book Week 2025.}