National Simultaneous Storytime Goes Online

Published 26 May 2020

Nothing can get in the way of a good book, not even coronavirus, which is why this year’s National Simultaneous Storytime is going digital.

Moreton Bay Regional Mayor Peter Flannery said he had been looking forward to participating in this year’s event at the local library, but had to find a creative work around.

“Now in its 20th year, we’re taking National Simultaneous Storytime to Facebook to ensure we can continue this rich reading tradition here in Moreton Bay Region,” he said.

“This year children all across Australia will be reading Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas by Lucinda Gifford. While we won’t get to have Storytime in the library, I am sure this online version will still be lots of fun.

“Please join me at 11am on Wednesday 27 May for this online activity, I’ll be bringing my five-year-old daughter Sophia as my audience so I have someone to read to.

“National Simultaneous Storytime is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy using an Australian children’s book.

“In 2019 more than 1.3 million participants from more than 11,554 locations across Australia took part in the event, making it the biggest and most successful year yet!

“I’m a passionate advocate of the importance of early learning literacy, so I encourage everyone to get involved.

“Just log onto our Library Facebook page to join in, whether it’s from the comfort of home or at school.

“I’m pleased Council is once again being part of this program to share the joys of reading with our youngest residents, and thank our amazing libraries team for their passion and innovation to make this possible.”

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in places around the country, however this year’s event is completely virtual in the wake of COVID-19.

Please join us at 11am Wednesday 27 May at https://www.facebook.com/MoretonBayCouncil/