$2m donation to SLV funds new children’s quarter, literacy programs

Philanthropists John and Pauline Gandel have donated $2 million to State Library Victoria (SLV) that will go towards the creation of free children’s literacy programs and a dedicated children’s space in the library.

Part of SLV’s $88.1 million Vision 2020 redevelopment, the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter will be six times larger than the previous space used for children’s programming, and will include a new children’s book collection.

The donation will also enable the implementation of new ‘by kids, for kids’ literacy programs developed by five to 12-year-olds in conjunction with children’s authors Andy Griffiths, Leigh Hobbs, Gabrielle Wang and Ailsa Wild. The workshops form part of a broader programming framework developed jointly with Gandel Philanthropy, which incorporates Auslan, languages other than English and live-streaming to enable greater access to children across Victoria.

SLV CEO Kate Torney said in statement: ‘Reading and storytelling are essential for children’s development and their transition into adulthood. The Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter and the programming it will deliver will help children’s literacy and creative skills grow and will set the benchmark for other libraries in Australia and around the world.’

The Gandels added, ‘Global trends show that we need to encourage children to read from the earliest age. We are particularly pleased that these programs will also reach children and families from many different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.’

‘Partnering with the State Library to deliver a dedicated space and a number of innovative children’s programs means we can reach more young people and their families and have a lasting, positive impact on their lives, and on this country as a whole,’ said the Gandels.

Category: Junior Library news