Beloved author sharing the joy of reading

MOUNT Gambier Library is excited to host beloved children’s author Mem Fox, for a discussion on the joy and importance of reading, on Thursday, May 8, at 6pm at City Hall.

Mem Fox is best known for her books such as Possum Magic, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, Where is the Green Sheep? as well as dozens of other beloved children’s stories.

Starting as an ambassador for the Premier’s Reading Challenge in 2004, Ms Fox said her great passion was encouraging adults to read to the young children in their lives.

During her time in the Limestone Coast, Ms Fox will be visiting four schools in Mount Gambier and will also be presenting to adults at the City Hall event.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge now has more than 120,000 students from 670 schools completing the Challenge each year. Manager Premier’s Challenge Manager Mark Williams acknowledged Limestone Coast schools for their participation in the challenge over many years.

“The Premier’s Reading challenge is fortunate that Mem Fox visits schools across the state as an ambassador to promote the joy of reading,” Mr Willams said. “I am not sure who gets more excited about Mem visiting, the students or the adults.”

Premier’s Reading Challenge ambassadors play an important role in promoting the challenge. During the event Mem Fox will discuss the wide-ranging benefits of reading aloud to babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

“It is all about the bonding, brain-development, the amazing language learning and the absolutely hysterical fun,” Ms Fox said.

City of Mount Gambier manager library and community development Georgina Davison said council was so excited to be hosting Mem Fox to promote the Premier’s Reading Challenge through schools, as well as sharing her knowledge regarding the importance and lifelong benefits of reading in general.

“Mem is a legend in her field, it is such an honour to be able to host her as she shares her knowledge and passion for stories and reading and their associated benefits,” Mrs Davison said. “Her visit supports the wonderful Words Grow Minds campaign that has been rolled out across the state promoting the importance of reading to children from birth.”

This event is suitable for ages 16+ and focuses on the importance of reading to children from birth.

The event will also be available through a live stream to Mount Gambier Library’s Facebook page.

Bookings open April 10 through Mount Gambier Library.

For more information please contact Mount Gambier Library on (08) 8721 2540.