National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an annual event held by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Each year a picture book,written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.
This year, Narrabri Library will be taking part in the event by holding a special story time for the general public at 11.00am on Wednesday 22 May 2019.

Each year, interested publishers send in possible titles. In addition to meeting copyright and other publishing criteria, the chosen book must also include a positive storyline; appeal to a modern and diverse audience; be classified as read-aloud book (assessed on language and length) and be reviewed on how well the book lends itself to craft and other activities.

Narrabri Library has held National Simultaneous Storytime events for the past 15 years.

Library Manager, Jenny Campbell said, “NSS is a fun and educational event that is enjoyed by children aged 0-13 years.  This event has been a success in previous years and I am looking forward to reading the 2019 book Alpacas with Maracas with our community”.

The NSS is a vibrant and fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children’s book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

By facilitating NSS we aim to:

• promote the value of reading and literacy
• promote the value and fun of books
• promote an Australian writer and publisher
• promote storytime activities in public libraries and communities around the country
• provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to participate in and enjoy the event

NSS receives positive media coverage, generates a great deal of community interest and is held annually as part of Library and Information Week. 2018 was the biggest and most successful NSS to date with over 1,062,230 participants at over 8,255 locations participating.

This year, Narrabri Library will be holding a special storytime for the general public at 11.00am on Wednesday 22nd May 2019.
Additional storytimes will be made available to preschools via appointment. The reading of Alpacas with Maracas will be available via Storybox in Wee Waa and Boggabri Libraries.