Readers Cup finalists donate books to Nambour Library

When four young bookworms walked into Sunshine Coast Council’s Nambour Library to donate a stack of books they won as state finalists in the Readers Cup, you can imagine the delight of the librarians.

Division 10 Councillor Greg Rogerson said he was extremely proud of the Sunshine Coast Home Educators team who represented the region at the Reader’s Cup State final in September.

“These young people took out the Sunshine Coast region Reader’s Cup in June and advanced to the State titles, competing against 30 teams,” Cr Rogerson said.

“Local children Daniel and Erin Powell, Bradley Entermann and Reuben Cosgrove tied fourth which is a great result.

“They are fantastic role models and their generosity to donate a book collection for other young people to enjoy is admirable.”

Community Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said she was very supportive of initiatives such as Readers Cup competitions which challenge students to read widely, work collaboratively in a team and continue developing a love of reading.

“It allows readers to compete at a regional and state level similar to sporting competitions and to meet other students with an equal passion for books,” Cr McKay said.

“On behalf of Sunshine Coast Libraries, I would like to thank these wonderful young people for their book donation which will add to our vibrant and stimulating collection.”

As their team name suggests, Daniel and Erin Powell, Bradley Entermann and Reuben Cosgrove are all home schooled and certainly reap the benefits of maturity and confidence.

Daniel Powell, aged 14, said their team of four would meet regularly to discuss the set of books which were chosen in the Reader’s Cup.

“We had to know the books inside and out so we could answer any of the judge’s random questions,” he said.

“The competition was fierce. We had to answer the questions in different time limits of 20 seconds, one and two minutes for the State titles.”

Twelve-year-old Bradley Entermann said the team were also required to work together to develop a book trailer whichwe created for Withering By Sea. We had a lot of fun creating this which included illustrations, music, messaging and more. We scored 9.5 out of 10,” he said.

Reuben Cosgrove said the team members have known each other for years and had now started their own book club to share their love of reading.

“We meet up at once a fortnight and usually read a book which has also been made into a movie,” he said.

Erin Powell said it was an easy decision to donate the books to Nambour Library as it is their local library where they have been coming to for years.

“We love it here – they have a great range of books and we have enjoyed getting involved in their holiday programs,” she said.

“We hope other young people enjoy the books we have donated and spend hundreds of hours like us reading.”

Pictured left to right Daniel Powell, Bradley Entermann, Rueben Crosgrove and Erin Powell.