Keilor Downs College students read nearly 8000 books

School librarian Milena Gates (far right) and her students have been powering through the books this year.

A Keilor Downs school has proved you can achieve great things – if you have the tome.

This year 265 Keilor Downs College students answered the call of the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge and read 7810 books between March and September 9.

Library manager Milena Gates, pictured with year 7 and 8 students, said the effort was spearheaded by three students who read more than 180 books each, four who completed 150 and nine who read more than 100.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joys of reading,” she said. “About 3000 more books were read this year and only 180 students were involved last year – I feel like I’ve helped make a difference.”

Rated as favourites were Divergent by Veronica Roth, Paper Towns by John Green, Matched by Ally Condie and Wonder by RJ Palacio.

The school will hold a presentation on October 28 for the school’s best readers.