On Wednesday last week, children sat on the floor of Gisborne Library, joining millions of hushed and cross-legged kids across the country ready to take part in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS).
The annual event held by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) asks public libraries, schools, childcares, bookshops and others nationwide to read a chosen picture book by a local author, all at the same time – this year it was musician Josh Pyke’s ‘Family Tree’.
Gisborne Library acting manager Trish Gauci said the local reading nook had a “really good turnout” of about 30 kids to listen to the book about “community and connecting with family and connecting with friends”.
This year was the biggest NSS yet: more than two million participants in various locations registered their involvement in this year’s event, now in its 22nd year.
ALIA facilitates NSS to promote the value of reading, literacy, the fun of books, celebrate Aussie writers and publishers, encourage storytime activities and provide opportunities for family and friends to get involved in shared reading.
Ms Gauci said it was lovely to see families engaged with the initiative on the day.
“Parents were excited to be taking part in the story time that reaches two million kids across the country,” she said.
