Released 23/05/2019
All over Canberra, around the nation and in New Zealand, children and their parents or carers today took part in National Simultaneous Storytime.
This is the nineteenth year of National Simultaneous Storytime, and the second year New Zealand has participated. Libraries ACT once again took part in this great event with branches across the ACT reading this year’s book, Alpacas with Maracas by Matt Cosgrove.
“National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual event encouraging young Australians and New Zealanders to read and enjoy books. Last year over one million people took part at over 8,255 locations,” Executive Branch Manager, Libraries ACT, Vanessa Little said.
“It was great to see so many people take a few minutes out of their day to read or listen to this wonderful book by a great Australian children’s author and illustrator. The kids who took part were just as enthralled as the adults were by the story of Macca and his best friend Al as they try their hardest at a talent competition.
“I won’t give away the ending, you will all have to read it for yourselves.”
The ACT Government reminds all local residents that National Simultaneous Storytime also has a serious message, the importance of reading.
“Reading is such a fundamental skill, so it is really important that we start reading to kids as early as possible, and the library offers many great books to borrow. Reading with your kids for 10 minutes each day can instil a lifelong passion for reading and has great benefits for literacy and learning development,” Ms Little said.
“As adults we also benefit from regular reading as it keeps the mind sharp and offers work-life balance. It also improves analytical thinking and writing skills and increases vocabulary.”
National Simultaneous Storytime is part of Library and Information Week 2019, which celebrates libraries and the range of services they offer. This year it runs from 20 to 26 May 2019.
Visit www.library.act.gov.au or call 6205 9000 for more information on the programs and events offered by Libraries ACT.
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