Annual Big Book Giveaway returns for 2026 as part of Book Week
Published on 26 August 2026
Rockhampton Regional Council Libraries are celebrating Children’s Book Week this week, with the annual Big Book Giveaway returning for another year.
Little readers aged 0–5 years are invited to take home a free board book or picture book on Wednesday, 26 August as part of the First Five Forever initiative.
Rockhampton parents are encouraged to bring their little one to any Rockhampton Regional Library to choose their own book. If you can’t make it a grandparent, carer, aunt, or uncle can pick one up for them.
Children's Book Week is from August 22 to August 28 with this year’s theme “Symphony of Stories”.
The community is encouraged to visit a Rockhampton Regional Library this book week and come dressed in your best book week costume
First Five Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Tony Williams:
“Children’s Book Week is a favourite time of year for many families across the region and it’s great to see children develop a passion for reading from a young age.
“We know the first five years are critical to a child’s literacy journey and lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
“Every year we see thousands of books given away as part of the Big Book Giveaway and I thank the Queensland Government and State Library of Queensland for this important initiative.”
Quotes attributable to Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson:
“The Big Book Giveaway is one of the highlights of Children’s Book Week and a wonderful opportunity to help young children build a positive connection with books from an early age.
“Reading together supports language development, imagination and learning, and having books in the home encourages families to make reading part of everyday life.
“I encourage parents, grandparents, carers and extended family members to visit one of our libraries this week and take advantage of this fantastic initiative.
“Our libraries play an important role in supporting local families and creating welcoming spaces where children can discover the joy of stories, books and lifelong learning.”
ENDS