‘Let the Countdown begin: five, four, three, two, one ‘ !

This is the introduction that could be heard in libraries right across Australia and New Zealand just before 11 am on Wednesday 22 May 2019 as we launched in National Simultaneous Storytime.  

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is an annual campaign that aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books. Now in its 19th 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, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

NSS is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association. Every 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. NSS2019’s book is Alpacas with Maracas written and illustrated by Matt Cosgrove.

Here at Orange City Library, where I am based, many excited children (and their equally excited parents and carers) listened to the story before dancing wildly with their maracas.

The surprise finale was an appearance by two beautiful Alpacas (father and son duo, Apollo and Pemberton) who stopped the show and drew gasps of ‘how beautiful’ from everyone in attendance.

Time now to re-group before NSS 2020!

Jan Richards