Central Coast Library Service is encouraging the community to rediscover their local library during National Literacy and Numeracy Week, 4-10 September.

Now in its twentieth year, National Literacy and Numeracy Week celebrates learning and raises awareness of the importance of developing reading, writing and mathematical skills.

Council Acting Unit Manager Libraries, Mrs Beth Burgess, said even though the week is a focus for schools, Council libraries offer a myriad of services for the whole community to inspire lifelong learning.

“We are here to create dynamic learning environments that meet our community’s needs and help strengthen educational opportunities, regardless of age,” Mrs Burgess said.

“With more than half of residents aged over 15 having not gone on to complete Year 12, we take on a crucial role in supporting literacy and numeracy skills, which have been shown to have a strong correlation with employment outcomes.

“We try to instil a love of learning and reading in the early years and with this in mind we have specialised weekly programs for children from six months to five years.

“Tomorrow we will be holding a special Literacy Skills event for pre-schoolers, where reading and dyslexia specialist, Rosemary Ruthven, will provide practical tips to help parents and carers develop childrens’ phonemic awareness.”

Bookings are essential and can be made via centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries or call 4304 7650.

Library branches also run a number of bookclubs to encourage or continue an appreciation for reading at any age.

“We run primary, teen, after hours and many daytime monthly bookclubs across our branches,” Mrs Burgess said.

“I would encourage anyone interested in joining a bookclub to contact our Library Service for more information as these meet-ups are very popular and spaces are limited.

“With around five per cent of residents from a non-English speaking background we also provide support to develop English skills with free access to NSW Adult Migrant English Service books, online courses and ESL Meet and Greet sessions at Gosford Library every Tuesday, 10am-12pm.

“We also offer free access to Studiosity – an online service for students in years 3 to 12 as well as TAFE and first year undergraduate university students studying statistics, economics or accounting – that provides real time advice from professionals and 24 hour feedback on essays and assignments.

“In fact, Maths is by far the most common subject that students seek help with, accounting for around 75 per cent of tutorials delivered so far this year.

“There is also free access to the online program, 10 Monkeys, aimed at providing a fun and engaging way for primary school students to improve maths skills.

“All this is just the tip of the iceberg – if you or your children need any assistance I urge you to come into one of our branches or browse our resources online.”

To take advantage of the fantastic range of educational services and resources available, join online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/jointhelibrary