McKinlay Shire is one of 20 council across Queensland who have received funding to enhance children's literacy in 2020.
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The McKinlay Shire was successful in obtaining $10,000 for a First Five Forever program to introduce a Reading to Your Children bi-weekly reading and storytelling session at McKinlay and Julia Creek libraries.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the grants provided strong early literacy foundations for children aged up to five years of age through public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres.
"Libraries are vital community hubs that provide spaces and programs for learning, literacy and storytelling, and this funding will go a long way in providing learning and engagement opportunities for Queenslanders," Minister Enoch said.
"First 5 Forever Innovation Grants totalling $284,465 will go to 18 councils for innovative and flexible projects in local libraries which support and develop a love of language and literacy skills in babies and young children," Ms Enoch said.
"An additional $63,000 will be distributed among five councils supporting Community Literacy Champions raising local awareness of the importance of early literacy and encouraging families with children aged 0-5 to connect with library services."
Ms Enoch said the grants were part of the Palaszczuk Government's $20 million funding commitment to deliver the First 5 Forever program.
"The First 5 Forever program, coordinated by the State Library of Queensland, recognises the importance of literacy and language development in the first five years of a child's life and provides families with information, resources and support to encourage them to talk, read, sing and play.
"Since launching in 2015, First 5 Forever activities have attracted more than 2.5 million attendances in public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across the state, contributing to the Palaszczuk Government's objective to give all our children a great start."
Ms Enoch said she was impressed with the creative ways councils and libraries were using the grants to provide local solutions to support families as they help make learning engaging, and most importantly fun.
State Librarian and Chief Executive Officer Vicki McDonald said the latest grant round demonstrated how councils were continuing to deliver innovative library services to their communities.
"It's these creative approaches which help libraries ensure all families are welcome and receive free, inclusive support," Ms McDonald said.
"State Library congratulates all grant recipients and is proud to work in partnership with more than 320 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across Queensland to advance early literacy and build a love of reading that lasts a lifetime."
Read more about First 5 Forever and tips for making learning fun or contact your local public library or Indigenous Knowledge Centre to find out more about their programs.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
