All eyes on the alpacas

17/05/2019. Melton/Moorabool Star Weekly. Storytime. Issue Date 21/05. Melton Library. National Simultaneous Storytime - Alpacas with Maracas will be on Wednesday May 22. Pictured are Ehan 4 yrs and Yumo 3 yrs with Sarah from Melton Library. Picture Shawn Smits.

By Ewen McRae

Young bookworms are urged to visit Melton and Caroline Springs’ libraries this Wednesday to join in a national event.

The special storytime will take place at the same time in libraries, schools, and kindergartens around Australia as part of Library and Information Week (May 22-26).

The picture book

Alpacas with Maracas, written and illustrated by Matt Cosgrove, will be read for storytime.

Songs, fun facts about alpacas, and a craft activity will follow at both Melton and Caroline Springs libraries.

Melton mayor Bob Turner said the event would be a celebration of reading for children.

“There is a real sense of community in sharing the same book, at the same time with so many other people across the country,” Cr Turner said. “Events like this create a great feeling of fun around reading and promote literacy skills and imagination.”

Last year, more than 1,062,230 people participated in National Simultaneous Storytime at more than 8255 locations.

The annual event, now in its 19th year, kicks off at both libraries at 11am on May 22.

Melton library is located at 31 McKenzie Street, Melton, and the Caroline Springs library is at 193 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs.

Ewen McRae