Community
30 July, 2026
First reviews set to feature
THE Junior Reviewers Club sat down and penned their first reviews of some of Mortlake Library’s most anticipated new books – with their reviews set to hit the pages of the Mortlake Dispatch next week.
As Western District Newspapers previously reported, the Mortlake Library has partnered with some of Australia's leading publishers to give members of the group early access to books prior to release.
The Junior Reviewers will have the chance to read the books early and pen their own reviews, which will be featured in the Mortlake Dispatch and Terang Express.
Members of the group met at the library on Saturday to discuss the books they had read and write their first reviews, with the support of Mortlake Library branch officer, and group founder, Jodie Wells-Slowgrove.
“I’m really pleased,” she said.
“They’re such a lovely bunch of kids who are so enthusiastic and insightful in their comments they’re making about the books they have read.
“It’s been so lovely to see.”
The reviews will begin being published from next week, with Mrs Wells-Slowgrove saying she was excited for the community to see what the group members have created.
“There will be insight, real intelligence and humour from these kids,” she said.
“I really think they’re going to be contributing something to the community, to showcase what we have on offer here at the Mortlake Library and let others know they’re welcome to come in.
“We’ve got a lot of new books at the library and we’ve also got new board games with a lot of kids coming in to play, so we’re finding it is become more of a hang out.
“We’re really excited to see.”
While the early reviews for the books have been overwhelmingly positive, so too have the reviews for the group itself.
Jack Billing said he was excited to have the chance to read some of the most anticipated releases ahead of time, which presented an opportunity for access which many smaller towns don’t have.
“I think it is great we have a chance to read some of the newest books ahead of time in this small town and not Warrnambool or someplace bigger,” he said.
“We have newly released books, or not even released books, that we just get to read and write reviews about in a little town like ours.
“I’m a kid who really likes reading, and wants others to read as well, so telling them about new books might be a good way to do it.”
Megan Wendt said she was eager to get her thoughts out there in print.
“I like sharing my opinion,” she said.
Lexie Maher said the group was helping her to strike a balance between reading for leisure and keeping on top of her studies.
“I procrastinated because I had an English novel to read for school, and had to finish it in two weeks, but once I started it was hard to put down,” she said.
“I read quite a bit, having read about 12 books this year - which is probably not as much as I normally would read.”
For Abbey Slowgrove, the club was a way to push herself to read more than just what is required at school.
Mrs Wells-Slowgrove said anyone interested in learning more about the club or wanting to join was welcome to visit the Mortlake Library or attend the next meeting.
“We’ve got three new members since our first meeting and we’re definitely happy to have new kids come and join,” she said.
“We’ve got great people to talk to, great snacks and there’s always something to do.”
The next club meeting will be at the Mortlake Library from 11am on Saturday, August 22.
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