Central Coast Council Libraries are encouraging residents to ‘Discover More’, as they launch into Library and Information Week from 23 – 29 May 2016.

To help celebrate a number of events and activities have been organised, bringing awareness to the varied range of free resources and services offered.
Council’s Director of Community Growth, Ms Judy Jaeger, said libraries are an integral part of the cultural fabric of the local community and are about much more than just borrowing books.

“Libraries have evolved over the last decade to meet the changing needs of the community operating as research facilities, meeting places, education and training spaces as well as entertainment venues,” Ms Jaeger said.

“We now have 12 library branches located across the Coast that act as community hubs for people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.
“Libraries offer a vast range of services both in house and online from room hire to homework help, book clubs, language resources as well as adult colouring classes, family history and local heritage collections, to name just a few.

“It’s great to see all our libraries already working so well. A unified library system will come in over the next few months, though you can now return items to any library across the Coast.

“I’d urge everyone to go and discover more about what’s on offer at your local library.”

One of the key events of the week will be the 16th annual National Simultaneous Storytime, which aims to promote the value of reading and literacy from a young age.

This year the Australian children’s book I Got This Hat written by Jol and Kate Temple and illustrated by Jon Foye has been selected to be read across the country at 11am on Wednesday 25 May.

Lake Haven Library Supervisor Darryl Kane said this fun event was a fantastic opportunity for parents, grandparents, teachers and carers to become actively involved in their children’s learning.

“Reading to children from a young age is so important as it helps build the foundation to prepare them for a lifetime of learning,” Mr Kane said.
“Research has shown there are clear benefits when reading to young children frequently with those read to six to seven days a week almost a year ahead of children who aren’t.

“It also helps develop numeracy and communication skills, rational thinking and enhances concentration and discipline, all of which helps children excel at school and later in life.

“To further promote a love of reading we hold weekly storytime sessions at many of our branches, which also include songs and crafts to motivate involvement.
“This helps children see reading is fun and a pastime to be enjoyed, rather than a chore.

“The best thing is appreciation of reading can be built regardless of background and socio-economic status with a huge range of children’s books and resources available in our branches and online for free – all you need is a library card!”

Visit www.wyong.nsw.gov.au/library or www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/libraries to join online or for more information on storytime sessions and online resources.