Library program
Our library isn’t only a place where students come to read, it’s a quiet and calming environment where students can relax and socialise with friends.
Watch our video from 2020 to learn why the kids enjoy it so much.
Library news
Summer reading challenge
13 Nov 2025 | Library
Stanmore students are inviting to join the IWC summer reading challenge. It's the perfect way for kids aged 5-12 to fill sunny days with imagination, and discovery.
Better Read Than Dead Kids
13 Nov 2025 | Library
When purchasing books at Better Read Than Dead in Newtown if you mention Stanmore Public School at the checkout, the store donates 10% of the value to our library towards future purchases of books.
Inner West Libraries Beanstack
13 Nov 2025 | Parent Resources
Beanstack is a fun, free reading platform from Inner West Libraries that helps families track reading, earn rewards, and discover great books.
Library Lovers' Day
07 Feb 2025 | Library
Friday, February 14 is national Library Lovers' Day, a day to honour libraries, librarians, and books, and the valuable role that libraries play in our lives.
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Each year Stanmore Public School participates in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.
What is the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge?
The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is a statewide Challenge that encourages students to develop a love of reading for leisure and pleasure and enables them to experience quality literature.
It is not a competition, but a challenge to encourage each student to read, to read more, and to read more widely.
All students who complete the challenge and have their reading record validated by the school’s PRC coordinator will receive a certificate signed by the Premier of NSW.
The joy of reading
Why it matters and how a reading challenge can help
Reading is one of the most important skills a child can develop, but beyond just learning to read, developing a love for reading is key to lifelong learning and success. For primary school-aged children, enjoying reading boosts their confidence, expands their vocabulary, strengthens comprehension skills, and sparks creativity. Children who love reading are more likely to read independently, which enhances their overall academic performance and fosters a lifelong habit of learning.
However, not all children naturally develop a love for books. This is where a reading challenge can make a big difference. A reading challenge creates a fun and engaging way for children to explore different books, set personal reading goals, and celebrate their achievements. These challenges often include rewards, friendly competition, and shared experiences with classmates, all of which make reading exciting and enjoyable.
By participating in a reading challenge, children discover new genres, authors, and stories that might ignite their passion for books. Most importantly, it helps them associate reading with enjoyment rather than just schoolwork, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of literature.
Encouraging your child to take part in a reading challenge is a great way to nurture their enthusiasm for books and set them on the path to becoming confident, curious, and engaged readers. Happy reading!
How many books do students need to read?
Students in Year 3 to Year 6 are challenged to read 20 books independently. At least 10 of these books must be from the relevant Challenge booklists, and up to 10 books can be personal choice books. Students will learn how to create their online reading log during library lessons. They will be given time to add books during library but might need to complete the list independently.
If a book is from an approved PRC series, students can enter up to 5 books as Challenge books, and can read up to 10 other books from the same series as Personal Choice books. More information on the rules of the Challenge can be found on the PRC website.
How do students log their reading?
Students can access the PRC’s Student Experience site using their Department of Education username and password, or can log into the site via the Student Portal.
PRC Podcast: Between the Bookshelves
Organisers are excited to announce that the PRC is launching a podcast called Between the Bookshelves!
Aimed at teacher librarians and parents, the podcast will feature interviews with Australian Children's and Young Adult authors, teacher librarians, PRC coordinators and other experts in education and children's fiction.
Tune in to listen to experts discuss books that will spark or reignite a love of reading, and hopefully make those moments when a reader is standing between the bookshelves less overwhelming.
Between the Bookshelves will launch on Friday 28 February 2025. You can find the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Listen @ The Arts Unit page.
Follow the PRC Instagram (@PremiersReadingChallengeNSW) to keep up to date with which special guests will feature on the podcast next!
Learning
Find out about our approach to learning and supporting students to progress.
Travel to school
Learn about local transport options and how to get here safely.