Coolock Library has been a hub of activity since the start of Term 1

New shelves arrived for our non-fiction collection and they have enhanced access to non-fiction titles. Additional ottomans have been well received, allowing for students to socialise in small groups or to have some quiet time.

Our Coolock Library Student Advisory Group (LSAG) has met to discuss what is happening in the library. They have shared a mix of social and literary ideas for 2025. Keep an eye out for some fun activities across the year with the Chess Tournament just completed and an Uno Tournament and Maker Space activities amongst some ideas in the planning stages. We really appreciate the input from our Coolock Library Student Advisory Group members Lillyanne Crennan, Caleb De Petro, Lucas Glazner, Amelia Johnson, Trey Marinic and Thomas Chaffe. Our Library Student Advisory Group members were recently presented with their badges by Mrs Gina Giblin.  

(L-R) Lillyann Crennan, Lucas Glazner, Mrs Gina Giblin, Trey Marinic, Amelia Johnson, Caleb De Petro (Absent Thomas Chaffe)

The Coolock Library Chess Tournament 2025 was a fabulous way for students to meet new people. Fourteen players signed up for the tournament and abided by chess etiquette expectations. The blind draw for the double elimination tournament meant that players were playing across year levels and against people they didn’t know. Chess clocks were used. Games were intense with concentration at very high levels. Well done to the players for the camaraderie shown towards opponents and other players. Congratulations to all players and to our winner Ivan Lau and runner-up Thomas Harris. Ivan and Thomas were presented with their medals by Mr Len Watson. 

Back L-R: Christopher Gray, Yuvraj Suri, Xavier Merrett, Xavier Watson who were amongst the fourteen players in the Coolock Library Chess Tournament 2025.

Front L-R: Mr Len Watson, Thomas Harris (Tournament Runner-Up) and Ivan Lau (Tournament Winner)

Mr Len Watson congratulating Ivan Lau (2025 Winner) and Thomas Harris (2025 Runner-up)

During reading classes in the Coolock Library students are encouraged to enhance their reading experience by choosing books they will enjoy reading and will finish. The collection is constantly under refinement to meet the many and varied interests of students. Real reading, not fake reading, is our mantra. We encourage all students to take time to read and to talk about reading. Our Coolock Library reading goal is: To continue building reading engagement and rigour, leading to improved comprehension and enjoyment of reading.

One way students can engage with reading is to be involved in this year’s Childrens’ Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year activities. Students are encouraged to join the Coolock Library Shadow Judging Group. This group will review CBCA 2025 shortlisted titles and respond creatively. Interested students should see Coolock Library Staff for details as soon as possible.