National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual campaign that aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books.

Now in its 15th successful year it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy using an Australian children’s book that explores age appropriate themes.

This year’s theme, ‘Imagine’, aims to raise the profile of libraries and information service
professionals (librarians) in Australia.

The week provides the community with the opportunity to find out about the wide range of services libraries offer, recognising the vital role they play for research and education.

Fairfield City Council encourages all residents to get involved to help celebrate and promote our libraries and the many services they provide. Part of Library and Information Week involves National Simultaneous Storytime.

“National Simultaneous Storytime took place in more than 3,100 locations and involved about 460,000 children last year,” Mayor of Fairfield City Frank Carbone said.

“This event is a great way to engage young children and show them how much fun reading can be.”

Ensuring that more children in Fairfield City are involved in reading stories is a vital part of
contributing towards a more literate society.”

For the second year, SBS Radio has partnered with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to produce the book The Brothers Quibble in 16 different languages.

“One of those languages is Vietnamese and this book will be read at a special event at the Whitlam Library, Cabramatta, by SBS Radio presenter Trinh Nguyen,” Mayor Carbone said.

Event Details:

Monday 25 May – Australia’s Favourite Books
Launch of Library and Information Week and the announcement of Australia’s Favourite
Book.

Smithfield Library
Book reading (10.30am onwards)

Tuesday 26 May – National Library Technician’s Day
This day is an opportunity to promote Library staff and their roles and achievements.

Wednesday 27 May – National Simultaneous Storytime
Fairfield Libraries will participate in National Simultaneous Storytime with all libraries
reading the children’s book, The Brothers Quibble.

Whitlam Library, Cabramatta
Book reading in English and Vietnamese
English Reading with Mayor Frank Carbone
Vietnamese Reading with Trinh Nguyen
10.30am–11.30am
FREE face painting
Craft workshop

Bonnyrigg Library
Book reading
10.30am–11.30am

Thursday 28 May – Libraries celebrate Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea
Come along in support of the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea. The libraries invite
residents to come along and join them at the following locations:

Whitlam Library, Cabramatta
10am–11.30am

Fairfield Library
10am–11.30am

A gold coin donation will get you a cup of coffee or tea with some biscuits.

Friday 29 May – Storytime ‘The Brothers Quibble’
Bonnyrigg Library, Fairfield Library and Wetherill Park Library
Book reading
10.30am–11.30am