Tongala Primary School have launched their book exchange program with the help of Kyabram Men's Shed who built book boxes to be placed outside the school.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
Starting Book Week off in perfect fashion, Tongala Primary School’s book exchange program has launched with the help of a few cross-town friends.
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Tonny students looking for a new book won’t have to go much further than the school gate.
Two brand-new book exchange boxes, built by the Kyabram Men’s Shed with supplies from Bunnings Echuca, are now propped up against the fence.
It was an idea generated by Year 3 and 4 teacher Jade Holloway, who back in 2024 contacted Echuca Bunnings’ activity organiser Mel Curtis to help get the ball moving.
Ms Curtis then enlisted the help of the handy Men’s Shed, who were able to create the boxes out of a few wood boards and some nails.
Secretary Wayne Leppard described it as a labour of love, with members dedicating their holiday time to ensure the boxes were ready for eager students.
Marley Radford, 10, was one of the first to use the new system.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
And, the timing couldn’t be more perfect, with Book Week arriving just a week following the boxes' installation.
Mrs Holloway said she was grateful for everyone who got involved with the project and was excited for the kids who now have all the books they want at their fingertips.
“The book exchange idea came about to see how we could get kids more excited about reading,” Mrs Holloway said.
“It’s nice to know they can have access to these boxes thanks to the community.”
Mr Leppard wanted to thank the Men’s Shed members who put some elbow grease into the boxes' creation, including Barry Norris, who worked on the roof, Tom Blight, made and fixed the doors, and Howard Jury who put on the finishing touches.
The boxes were also fixed with a flash ‘TPS Book Exchange’ sign, courtesy of OZ Signs, and built with supplies donated by Echuca Bunnings.
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