• Charles Sturt University in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst and Dubbo supports National Simultaneous Storytime at 11am on Wednesday 22 May
• event that encourages over 1,000,000 children across the country to share the joy of reading
• Developing early childhood literacy can play such a significant role in a child’s future educational success

Libraries at Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, and Dubbo will host reading events on Wednesday 22 May as part of the annual 2019 National Simultaneous Storytime.

National Simultaneous Storytime is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), and aims to promote reading and literacy by having fun.

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously around the country.

The book chosen to be read this year is Alpacas with Maracas, written and illustrated by Matt Cosgrove.

Ms Karen Johnson, Executive Director of Library Services at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst said, “Charles Sturt University Library is proud to support the annual National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) by playing our part in an event that encourages over 1,000,000 children across the country to share the joy of reading.

“In addition to being a fun and vibrant event, NSS addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum Foundation to Year 6.

“The Library is keen to support the development of early childhood literacy, which can play such a significant role in a child’s future educational success”.

Events at Charles Sturt University all commence at 11am Wednesday 22 May in-step with National Simultaneous Storytime readings around Australia:

• Bathurst: book reading by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann, to approximately 60 children from Mitchell Childcare Centre, in the Library, Building 1412, Level 5 at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.

• Albury-Wodonga: The reading will be by Library staff to approximately 20 children from the local Murray Children’s Centre, in the Library, building 753, at Charles Sturt University in Albury-Wodonga.

• Dubbo: A Faculty of Arts and Education academic and her education students will read in small groups to approximately 22 children from local Playmates Cottage in the Library, building 901 at Charles Sturt University in Dubbo.

Each event will include craft activities and/or musical fun (maracas) for children.