National Year of Reading aims to remind Australians on all things great about reading

Residents are being urged to discover or rediscover the joy of reading this year in celebration of National Year of Reading.

Australian libraries and library associations including Mackay Regional Council’s Library Services are behind a campaign to link together all the great things that are already happening around books, reading and literacy, and give them an extra boost with inspirational programs and events.

2012 National Year of Reading is being launched next week on Tuesday, February 14 across the country and council’s Library Services are getting involved by hosting a special launch at Gordon White Library from 10.30am to 12.30pm that is open to the public.

There will be a range of activities during the launch including two storytimes available for children to take part in; the first one from 10.30am to 11am suitable for infants to five year olds, is structured around the book ‘Ten little monkeys jumping on the bed’ and will go on to incorporate monkey related rhymes and song.

The second storytime from 10.30am to 11.30am is aimed at 10 to 12 year olds with a focus on cartooning and writing, featuring well-known cartoonist Dave Hackett through a special Skype link-up.

During the launch there will also be an official opening and light refreshments for participating library members.

Community Services and Facilities portfolio councillor Karen May said National Year of Reading is about people learning to read and keen readers finding new sources of inspiration.

The Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey 2006 states that there are 46 per cent of Australians who don’t have the literacy skills to meet the most basic demands of everyday life and work.

“Reading isn’t just about picking up a book; it can be flicking through a newspaper or magazine, reading a text message or understanding the instructions of a recipe,” Cr May said.                             

“This year we are asking residents to try something new and rekindle their love of literacy, reading and writing,” she said.

“If it’s been a long time since you picked up a book or visited your local library, why not take the time to pop in, take part in an activity or program and borrow a great read.”                                        

Council’s libraries host a wide-range of activities, programs and events day-in-day-out including:

• Storytime – an hour long program of stories, songs and craft activities for children aged 2 to 5 years and their parents.
• Baby Bounce – a lap sit program designed for parents and infants under 18 months of age. The 30 minute program includes songs and rhymes.
• Discover IT classes – computer training available at Mackay City, Grodon White, Sarina, Walkerston and Mirani libraries.
• Finally its Friday – activity afternoons/evenings for teens and young adults.
• Our Tutor – a free online tutoring service to help with students after school for real time assistance with their homework and study.

For more information and dates, log onto council’s website www.mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries or phone 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Alternatively to keep up-to-date on all the activities or events planned for 2012 National Year of Reading, sign up for the libraries eNewsletter here.

Take part in 2012 National Year of Reading and help make Australia become a nation of readers.

Contact: Mackay Regional Council

Phone: 1300 MACKAY (622 529)