A whopping 489 books were read during the program, which ran from 1 December 2017 to 31 January 2018.

Council’s Manager, Library Services, Michaela Olde, said the program had been running at Crookwell Library since December 2003, with Gunning Library joining in the program for the first time this year.

“The Summer Reading Club program, which is held throughout Australia, is a great way to encourage young people to read throughout the summer holidays, building literacy and fostering a love of books,” Ms Olde said.

“Children who participate are encouraged to read as many books as possible and there are prizes and activities, both online and in the library, to keep them motivated through the duration of the program.

“This year’s theme, Game On, was a celebration of Aussie sporting culture, team-mateship and the countries who will be participating in this year’s Commonwealth Games. Both Gunning and Crookwell Libraries had a selection of books to fit the theme for preschoolers through to high school students.”

“I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part in this year’s Summer Reading Club program and encourage as many young people as possible to join in next summer.”