On Wednesday 27 May, from 10:30am, Whyalla families can be part of a nationwide reading event and join Whyalla Public Library staff online for National Simultaneous Storytime.

National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual campaign held by the Australian Library and Information Association, that aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books.

It is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Grades 1 to 6 and the pre-school Early Learning Years Framework.

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country (and now New Zealand as well) at the same time.

For the last nineteen years the Library has taken part in this nation-wide event, with the families of Whyalla enjoying this valuable and fun family activity right from its inception.

This year’s featured book is ‘Whitney and Britney: Chicken Divas’, by Lucinda Gifford.

Children can hear all about Whitney and Britney, two gorgeous chooks who are fluffy and silky with stunning good looks.  They live alongside Dora von Dooze who is perplexed—why do her dear chickens seem to sleep all day long? Dora decides to snoop. She follows the chooks out at night to the local jazz club where she discovers, to her amazement, that they are Whitney and Britney: Chicken Divas!’

This fun story will be delivered by Children’s Program Co-ordinator, Chis Barsby and Library Assiistant Ali Zimmerman.

Chris and Ali wil be dressing up, singing, sharing the story and creating craft.  It’s going to be a blast!

For those families who would like to get creative at home and create craft along with Chris and Ali, free themed craft packs are available.

Just ring the Library on 8645 7891 to arrange pick up of your pack, ready for the National Simultaneous Story Time on Wednesday morning at 10:30am.

Packs are limited so make sure you plan ahead and book your pack now!

National Simultaneous Storytime aims to:

• promote the value of reading and literacy;
• promote the value and fun of books;
• promote an Australian writer and publisher;
• promote storytime activities in public libraries and communities around the country;
• provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion.
For more information about National Simultaneous Story Time please click the link  https://bit.ly/3bQCy13