Reading Out of Poverty

What an incredible day with the Revvity Melbourne team, who joined us this week for a Corporate Volunteer Session and made a remarkable impact in just a few hours.

Together, they sorted and cleaned almost all of our newly donated second‑hand children’s books and assembled more than 200 ROOP Literacy Packs — each one including a personalised message for the child and family who will receive it.

Your energy, care, and teamwork will help hundreds of children discover the joy of reading. Thank you, Revvity, for standing with us to support families who need it most.

A huge thank you to the wonderful team at AustralianSuper for your energy and commitment during Thursday’s Corporate Volunteer Day.

At ROOP, we’re proud to partner with corporate teams who want to make a practical, hands‑on difference. Your support helps us deliver children’s books, pack literacy kits, and reach more families who need early literacy resources the most.

More information: https://roop.org.au/corporate-volunteering/

With the rising cost‑of‑living placing enormous pressure on families living below the poverty line, ROOP is stepping up to ensure children don’t miss out on the foundational literacy skills that shape their future.

This week, our focus turned to low‑income postcodes across the Gippsland and Latrobe Valley region. We established new Pop‑Up Libraries in local laundromats and delivered Literacy Packs to GP clinics so families can access free books and early‑learning resources right where they already visit.

A huge thank‑you to our incredible community partners: St Vincent de Paul Assistance Centre in Traralgon, Central Gippsland Family Practice in Moe, Good Shepherd in Morwell, Morwell Neighbourhood House, and the laundromats in Morwell, Traralgon and Drouin.

Together, we’re helping children build a brighter start — one book at a time.

Small moments, big impact!

In many rural and regional communities across Victoria, families face real barriers, fewer early childhood programs, long drives to libraries and playgroups, and limited enrichment opportunities.

That’s why our early literacy programs in GP and maternal health waiting rooms are so important. When health professionals share a book and talk with parents about reading together, they’re helping children build language skills, confidence, and strong relationships from the very start.

These small moments create lasting change, especially in communities where resources are stretched thin. 🧡

This week, we proudly celebrate National Volunteer Week — and the 189 incredible volunteers who power ROOP.

From delivering children’s books and packing literacy kits, to re‑stocking our Pop‑Up Libraries in laundromats, running Read Aloud sessions, and supporting our office and admin work, you make everything we do possible.

You are the backbone of ROOP. Because of you, more children across Australia are discovering the joy of reading and the confidence that comes with it.

Thank you for helping us change futures, one book at a tim

ROOP's laundromat library program doesn't ask families to do anything extra. Free books are available in 25 locations across Australia, during the 90 minutes a week that laundry takes anyway. A 2018 a study found that children engage in 30 times more literacy activity in laundromats with dedicated reading spaces than those without. ROOP is building those spaces, in the places Australian families are already spending their time.

The latest research shows a strong link between early childhood literacy and long‑term wellbeing — from better mental health to improved employment, confidence, and life outcomes. As one study puts it,“Literacy needs to begin in early childhood — and to be encouraged by adults long before a child even starts school.”

When families read, talk, sing, and play from birth, children build the language, resilience, and cognitive foundations that shape their future health.

See the research and join us in championing literacy as a powerful public‑health intervention.

How Reading and Storytelling Can Improve a Child’s Health A Yale expert describes the many ways that a child’s intellectual and emotional development —and physical health—benefit from early literacy.

We’re thrilled to share that our Pop‑Up Libraries have now expanded into the Parap Laundromats in Darwin.

These bright little book corners make it easier for children, especially those from Indigenous and low‑income families, to access and enjoy free books while their families do the weekly wash.

A simple idea with a big impact: more stories, more learning, more opportunities for every child.

This Mother’s Day, help a new mum give her baby the gift of reading.

In many low‑income postcodes, most families don’t own a single children’s book — but our Books from Birth packs change that from day one.

Your donation puts books, songs, stories and early‑learning tools into the hands of the families who need them most.

Give a baby their first book. Donate today. You can use your Mother’s day gift to celebrate and honour your mother.
www.roop.org.au