Millions sit down for a simultaneous story

Children, parents, teachers and carers across the Geelong region were among the millions who sat down for National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) earlier today.

Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation (GRLC) ran 15 different free sessions at its libraries to an estimated 1,000 participants as part of the Australia-wide initiative, with Luna Roo: the Kangaroo Baller being read by GRLC board members, staff or local councillors from the stroke of noon.

At Torquay Library, Surf Coast Shire deputy mayor Tony Phelps read Luna Roo to a small but attentive audience.

The picture book is co-written by renowned Australian sports reporter Adam Jackson and international soccer coach Adrian Lloyd and illustrated by Jake Minton, and was was selected from 84 submissions from publishers across Australia.

The story follows spirited kangaroo Luna and her friends as they chase their football (soccer) dreams across the outback. It inspires young readers with a blend of action, teamwork and fun.

GRLC board chair and Surf Coast Shire councillor Liz Pattison has been chosen as the storyteller for NSS several times and said she always loved being part of it.

You can really see children’s imaginations come to life as they listen to the story being read,” she said.

“We all know how important early literacy is, and reading to children is one of the best things you can do to support their early development.

“Knowing that millions of children across the country are sharing the same story at the same time makes it feel like you’re part of something much bigger, which is really quite special.”

Last year more than 2.2 million people across Australia participated in NSS, which is coordinated by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

The initiative, now in its 26th years, promotes the value of literacy and reading to children aged 0-12, and their educators and caregivers.

ALIA chief executive Cathie Warburton said NSS brought millions of people together to celebrate the joys of reading and storytelling.

“With declining literacy rates and the known benefits of recreational reading, NSS is an event that is needed now more than ever.”