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National Simultaneous Storytime at Blacktown City Libraries

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Residents are invited to take part in the National Simultaneous Storytime event at any of Blacktown City's four branch libraries taking part at 11am on Thursday, September 6, 2007. This unique event, now in its seventh year, ill involve staff at Blacktown City Libraries four branches simultaneously, with other organisations from as far as Broome to Hobart, reading the picture book; The Magic Hat.

The simultaneous read is organised by the Australian Library and Information Association each September and aims to;

  • promote the value of reading and literacy
  • promote the value of books
  • promote an Australian writer and publisher, and
  • promote storytime activities in public libraries and communities around the country.
In 2006, approximately 40,000 children at over 620 locations took part in the simultaneous reading of Good night, me written by Andrew Daddo and illustrated by Emma Quay. It is expected that the 2007 event on Thursday, September 6 will have up to 50,000 participants.

The Magic Hat is written by Mem Fox, illustrated by Tricia Tusa and published by Scholastic Australia.

Residents and children interested in taking part in the National Simultaneous Storytime 2007 on Thursday, September 6 at either Max Webber, Lalor Park, Riverstone or Mount Druitt branch libraries should contact their relevant library branch - see below for contact details.

  • Max Webber, Blacktown - 9839 6677
  • Lalor Park - 9624 5243
  • Riverstone - 9627 3823
  • Mount Druitt - 9832 4011

The Storytime will also be held during Literacy and Numeracy Week, a Federal Government initiative that aims to celebrate and acknowledge the vital work being done in schools and communities around Australia to develop young people's literacy and numeracy skills.

For more information on National Simultaneous Storytime around Australia, contact the Australian Library and Information Association on phone: 6215 8214 or visit the National Simultaneous Storytime pages on ALIAnet at http://alia.org.au/advocacy/storytime/.