Library ready for national reading event

Charters Towers’ Excelsior Library has gone all out for this year’s National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) event.

Excelsior Library staff member and Charters Towers artist Jody Read has painted a large picture inspired by this year’s NSS book, ‘Give me some space’ by Philip Bunting.

The space-themed mural will be hung up at the Library in the lead up to and during the 19 May event.

NSS is an annual reading activity where children at libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops, and many other places across Australia read the same book at the same time on the same day.

Each book chosen is by an Australian artist and illustrator.

Councillor Graham Lohmann, whose portfolio includes Community Facilities, said the painting is another example of the great work done by the Excelsior Library.

“Our talented Library staff go above and beyond with their displays and activities,” he said.

“This helps to ensure every visit to the library is a fun and memorable experience.

NSS was started in 2000 by the Australian Library and Information Society to promote the value and fun of reading.

“It also helps to promote Australian authors and publishers; highlight storytime activities in libraries and in the community; and is a great way to encourage parents, grandparents, and others to read to children,” Cr Lohmann said.

NSS will happen at the Excelsior Library, and across Australia, on Wednesday, 19 May 2021.

To find out more information go to alia.org.au/nss or call the Excelsior Library on 4761 5580.

Cr Graham Lohmann with Excelsior Library Coordinator Lia Gladman and talented staff member Jody Read.