Story Time sessions return to libraries, parks, community venues

Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) popular free Story Time sessions for children under five have returned to libraries, parks and community venues.

TRC Library and Cultural Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said he was pleased to note the extension of the First 5 Forever Story Time program across the Region during term three.

“The program helps children up to five years establish literacy foundations in a fun and supportive outing with their families and carers,” Cr McMahon said.

“A child’s early years are an important stage in their overall development, particularly their literacy and general learning.

“The First 5 Forever Story Time program acknowledges families’ primary importance as their child’s first and most important teachers.

“The sessions are designed to be fun, educational and interactive ways to learn rhymes and songs that children can learn and enjoy at home.

“The aim is to make talking, reading, singing and playing a natural part of a child’s daily routine. These formative lessons can help a child’s social development and their steps to early education and their school years.”

Cr McMahon said bookings were not needed for park sessions, but were essential for inside activities.

Library locations include (term time only): • Clifton (every second Tuesday 11.30am to noon on August 3, 17 and 31; September 14), • Crows Nest – John French Library (Monday 9.15-9.45am), • Highfields (at the Highfields Fitness and Recreation Centre, Friday 10.30-11am), • Oakey (every second Tuesday 11.30am to noon on July 27, August 10, 24 and September 7), • Pittsworth (Tuesday 9.30-10am), • Toowoomba City (at the Community Meeting Rooms, level three, Friday 9.45-10.15am).

Booking are required for every person who is attending. All attendees must register using the Check In Queensland app on entry.

Park sessions: • Peacehaven Park, Highfields (Monday 11-11.30am), • Queens Park, Toowoomba (Wednesday 9.30-10am near the all ability playground Lindsay Street).

All attendees must register using the Check In Queensland app on arrival. (Wet weather cancellations are announced on the Toowoomba Region Libraries facebook) For more details, visit https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/libraries/libraryprograms 

Cr McMahon said the Libraries’ Survey conducted earlier this year revealed that 33% of respondents listed library programs and events as their most valued library service. He said 63% of respondents said they visited libraries to participate in library activities and events.

Cr McMahon said the survey results were being used to guide recommendations for improving library services.