Benalla Students Build Book Boxes for Imagination Library Families
Local students are helping families make space for a love of reading
Since August 2024, students from the Hands on Learning program at Benalla P-12 College have been building and decorating wooden book boxes for families enrolled in the Benalla Imagination Library.
Each box is hand-made by the students and designed to store the free books that children receive each month through the program. More than just storage, the boxes are a meaningful gift—helping families create a special space at home for reading and connection.
“The collaboration shows a real care for Benalla’s youngest citizens,” said Sally Matheson, Education Benalla Program Manager. “It enables the students to do something tangible for local families. Supporting families to nurture reading at home helps to ensure we give children the best start to life.”
– Sally Matheson, Education Benalla Program Manager
“It enables the students to do something tangible for local families. Supporting families to nurture reading at home helps to ensure we give children the best start to life.”
Here is one little reader enjoying his handmade box, built just for his Imagination Library books.
Having a dedicated space like this helps children take pride in their books and builds a sense of ownership over their reading journey.
By the time a child graduates from the Imagination Library on their fifth birthday, they will have received up to 60 books, a growing library that starts from day one.
Families have shared how much they appreciate the boxes, especially the creative touches. Each one is decorated with images from well-known children’s books like Bluey, Spot, and The Rainbow Fish.
“These crates will help spread the love of reading to young readers in our community”
– Benalla P-12 College
This project, born from a collaboration between students, Hands-On Learning staff, and the Benalla Imagination Library team, is a powerful example of community coming together to put children and reading at the heart of a shared mission.
The Benalla Imagination Library is proudly funded and coordinated by Tomorrow Today Education Foundation. Currently, 215 local children are enrolled and receiving a free book in the mail every month. Children living in Benalla Rural City aged 0-2 are eligible to join and receive books. To register your child, visit Benalla’s Imagination Library Webpage.
