Join in the fun of National Simultaneous Storytime

Young families are invited to join in the fun of National Simultaneous Storytime ­­‑ Australia's biggest storytelling session! The same book will be read across Australia, and for the first time New Zealand, at the same time.

This year’s book is “Hickory Dickory Dash” by Tony Wilson and Laura Wood, a playful spin on the classic nursery rhyme Hickory Dickory Dock.

Hickory Dickory Dash will be enjoyed by over 600,000 children in over 5,000 locations across Australia and New Zealand simultaneously, in settings such as libraries, schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, bookshops, homes and more.

Bendigo, Castlemaine, Gisborne, Kangaroo Flat, Kyneton and Woodend Libraries will take part on Wednesday 23 May, from 11am, as well as Boort, Elmore and Inglewood Library Agencies.

Those who are unable to make it to a session, but don’t want to miss out on the fun, are encouraged to log on to Story Box Library on the Goldfields Libraries eLibrary. Read along with actor, singer and Playschool legend Jay Laga’aia as he brings Hickory Dickory Dash alive. Access Story Box Library, along with a range of other fun children’s reading and learning resources, at www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/elibrarykids

National Simultaneous Storytime is an initiative of the Australian Library and Information Association and aims to promote the value of reading and literacy among children.

Goldfields Libraries offer a range of fun and engaging children’s resources and programs which support early years literacy and learning. Reading to your child for 10 minutes a day boosts their imagination, ability to cope with school, inter-personal relationships and confidence.