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 New Zealand at the same time.

This year’s book is Matt Cosgrove’s “Alpacas with Maracas”, a colourful celebration of persistence, friendship, and above all, having fun. When best friends Macca and Al decide to enter a talent contest, hilariousness ensues as they try tirelessly to find skills worthy of the show.

Alpacas with Maracas will be enjoyed by over 1 million children in over 8,000 locations across Australia and New Zealand simultaneously, in settings such as libraries, schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, bookshops, homes and more.

Bendigo, Castlemaine, Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend Libraries will take part on Wednesday 22 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 Author Matt Cosgrove and ABCKids’ Jimmy Giggle as they bring Alpacas with Maracas to life. Access Story Box Library, along with a range of other fun children’s reading and learning resources, at https://storyboxlibrary.com.au/libraries

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.