The new reading challenge turning Canberra into a literary scavenger hunt
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A local book club has released a Canberra-themed reading challenge to uplift local businesses and authors and celebrate the local literary scene – but it’s about more than just books.
Reading challenges have long been used to encourage and promote a love of reading, from the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge for children to the Goodreads Reading Challenge for adults. But The Books ‘n’ Frocks Canberra Challenge is taking things one step further by turning the city into a literary scavenger hunt with a checklist bookworms won’t be able to resist.
Covering everything from reading Chris Hammer’s The Tilt to scoring a haul at the Lifeline Bookfair, to visiting the Parliament House Shop, and attending a National Library Launch, the Canberra Challenge is all about highlighting the amazing aspects of Canberra’s literary scene.
Born from a desire to support local businesses and authors while also exploring Canberra, the challenge was created by the Books ‘n’ Frocks Weeknight Chapter host Laura Egan-Burt.
“I wanted to curate a mix of local author spotlights and must-visit locations. The list features Canberra icons like Jackie French, Chris Hammer, and Marion Halligan. It also includes activities like scoring a haul at the Lifeline Bookfair, visiting The Book Cow in Kingston, or completing the Voices sound walk at the lake,” she explains.
“I saw it as a way to combine our love for reading with a scavenger hunt of Canberra landmarks.”
A well known and loved local book club that began in 2023, over the last three years Books ‘n’ Frocks has evolved from a single group into a thriving network. Boasting over 480 members on their Facebook page and three Chapters, the club offers a sense of belonging and a dedicated space for meaningful conversation for many readers.
“[The Canberra book club community] is full of people looking for connection,” says Weekend Chapter Pip Chapman.
“While there are many private book clubs, we found a huge demand for open groups. Canberra readers are incredibly welcoming, intellectually curious, and very supportive of local creators.”
Meeting on different days and times in the inner north, each of the three Chapters chooses their own books to cater for the interests of the member base. Members are welcome to join any Chapter and move around as their interests change, regularly meeting a diverse range of readers.
“We have women from all walks of life, including people of different ages, backgrounds, and careers, who would likely not have met otherwise,” says Weekday Chapter Suzanne Jennings.
“It is a safe, low-stakes social environment where the book is the icebreaker, but the connection is the real reward.”
The Weeknight Chapter Christmas Party at Rizla, Braddon.
“In a digital world, people are craving tactile, face-to-face connections. A book club offers a sense of belonging and a dedicated space for meaningful conversation that goes beyond small talk,” adds Books ‘n’ Frocks head of Admin, Comms, and Branding, Caroline Davidson.
With the challenge now open, the hope is it will help to encourage more readers to support and celebrate the local literary scene.
Flexible and with no strict time limit, you can choose to tick off tasks you’ve done recently or start the list from scratch – the choice is yours.
Once you complete five tasks from the Canberra Challenge, simply screenshot the ‘Thank You’ page from the submission and share your success with the Books ‘n’ Frocks Facebook group.
“It is open to everyone, whether you are a long-time member or a local looking for an excuse to visit a new bookshop or landmark,” says Laura.
Take the challenge here or join the Books ‘n’ Frocks community here. Happy reading!
Feature image: Paperchain Bookstore. Credit: Ash St George.
