During the school holidays, 10 branches participated in the State Library of Queensland's national program, designed to promote reading to children aged 16 and under.

The program ran from December 1 to January 31.

For every 10 books borrowed, each participant received an entry to win a prize.

To be eligible, children had to become a member of their local library.

This year, Lake Macquarie libraries had about 360 registrations, up from 234 last year.

Lake Macquarie City Library's children and youth officer Rachel Mallaby said this was a great result.

"As members, we could see these kids come back to the library more often," she said.

"I think it was the articles in The Star that really helped get the word out."

This year, libraries observed a trend in preschool and primary school-aged literature.

In addition to the program, Lake Macquarie libraries ran school holiday activities, open to non-program participants.

Ms Mallaby said JD's World of Magic shows and science workshops were popular with older children, while puppet shows and were a hit with younger ones.

Four-year-old Amy Disher from Rankin Park won the local program's major prize - a private JD's World of Magic show for herself and 25 friends.