By Oliver Lees
A Kyneton business aiming to improve childhood literacy has received a funding boost to extend its service online.
Story Box Library was announced as a recipient of the state government’s Technology adoption and Innovation Program grant earlier this month.
Founded by Nicole Brownlee, Story Box Library is a subscription-based educational website, which includes a curated database of children’s stories read aloud by Australian and New Zealander storytellers.
The service is aimed at primary and secondary school aged children.
Story Box boasts a variety of notable storytellers such as AFL footballer Ben Brown, musician Nick Cave and newsreader Peter Hitchener.
Ms Brownlee said she drew on her experience in children’s literature, teaching and her work in book sales to develop the concept.
“Children’s books inspire imaginations, generate curiosity, and encourage creativity, and open windows into other worlds and experiences,” Ms Brownlee said.
“We aim to do the same. Most of all, our hope is that we have created something that our children can take pride in, that they recognise themselves in, and feel connected to.
“We play a key role in improving literacy by providing curriculum-based ideas and activities via our schools and public libraries. Story Box Library celebrates diverse voices, ideas and communities by connecting the world through storytelling.”
Ms Brownlee said many educators and families had been drawing on the Story Box Library as an online learning resource during the pandemic.
“The recent success of the state government grant has allowed us to develop an app version of our website,” she said.
“The Story Box app will be a game changer for us, giving better value for subscribers. The app will be easy to use, allowing young children the ability to play stories in just a couple of taps.
“It will provide a high quality, safe alternative mobile activity parents can trust in.”
Story Box can be accessed for free through most public libraries.
Details: storyboxlibrary.com.au/
