THIS week marks Children’s Book Week with a number of activities organised at Helensburgh, Thirroul and Corrimal libraries.

Children’s Book Week has been a fixture of Australia’s literary landscape since 1945. Each year the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) highlights the importance of reading by showcasing Australian children’s books, authors, and illustrators.

Whether it’s Book Week themed toddler time, favourite character dress up days, or a children’s art competition, there is an activity organised by Wollongong City Libraries to inspire reading in the community.

But underneath the fun and dress ups, there is an underlying motivation to the annual celebration of everything books. This is to provide as many opportunities as possible to support a discovery and passion for reading.

Highlights in the north:

• Children’s art exhibition at Helensburgh, Thirroul and Corrimal libraries all week.
• Children’s story time at Corrimal library (Wed. 21 Aug.)
• Children’s story time at Helensburgh library (Friday 23 Aug.)
• ‘Maybe a Miracle’ musical at Corrimal library (Saturday 24 Aug.)

Wollongong City Council Director Community Services Kerry Hunt said libraries played a vital role in providing equal access to reading services, programs and resources.

“It costs nothing to be a member of Wollongong City Libraries and to come into any of our locations to borrow books – or even just do some quiet reading or research while you’re there,” she said.

“Our librarians have a wealth of knowledge and a wide range of resources available to help everyone in our community.’’

While there are a range of activities on offer during book week, Ms Hunt said there were year-round opportunities to support parents and carers instil a love of reading in the next generation.

“We do see some parents, grandparents and carers who might not have had the opportunity to fall in love with reading when they’re younger, and they seek our advice on how they might help their children and grandchildren embrace books,” she said.

“That’s where our programs like Toddler Time are so important as they’re fun ways to talk about books and reading in a relaxed, inclusive and welcoming space.

“Wollongong City Libraries preschool programs have been developed within the NSW public libraries’ early language and literacy framework and we ensure that our staff have regular training in best practice early literacy program delivery. We regularly hear from parents and carers who tell us how much our programs have helped them.

“It’s never too early to start reading to children – or too late to start. We recommend reading aloud three at least to five times a week and our free programs for kids are a great way to get inspired. They’re on year-round during the school term and our libraries are happy to offer advice and assistance on finding one that works for you.”

Ms Hunt said research shared by the Reading Writing Hotline includes data that points to one in five Australians between 15-74 years having low literacy and/or numeracy skills. Ms Hunt said Wollongong libraries have targeted programs that don’t just support children but improved adult literacy as well.

“It’s never too late to learn and we’ve got a Read and Write for life program that offers adults the chance to meet one day a week with a tutor for one-on-one skills development,” she said.

“The program is focussed on those everyday needs like being able to read a school newsletter, an electricity bill or writing for a job application.

“Libraries play such an important role in our community beyond being a place to study and borrow books. Book Week provides us with the opportunity to open up our doors not only to those who currently love and use our libraries, but also those not as familiar with these spaces.’’

For details of Book Week activities, visit Wollongong City Council’s library website

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