There are also some free activity bags left – preschool and primary school level – that children can take home and enjoy.

The library has plenty of programs for children starting school and beginning their learning adventure.  There’s 1000 Books After School, where milestones reached reading are rewarded with a certificate presented by the mayor.

Just ask the library for the tally sheet and return it when you have completed both sides, to get your book icon and start climbing the book mountain. It’s fun, it’s free, and any books can be counted, not just library books.

If your child needs some help or encouragement with reading, the Bookends program starts up again in February. Children can “borrow” a senior member of the community who will listen to them read, and give help and encouragement with their reading.

This program runs from 3pm to 5pm each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, and from 3pm to 4pm on Friday. Bookings are essential, so please ring the library 6740 2190 to book a place. And the best news is, the program is free.

Children between the ages of eight and 12 years can also come along to Junior Brain Games, an after-school activity held each Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. There is strong literature, language and numeracy content, but the children also enjoy brain games such as a memory game, spot the difference, mazes, join the dots and so on.

There’s a limit of 10 children for this program, so please ring the library on 6740 2190 to book your children into this fun and free program. 

Toddlers can come to the library each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning at 10.30am to enjoy some stories and a simple handicraft. It’s for the young and the young at heart; bookings aren’t necessary – just come along and enjoy, and perhaps join your little readers to the 1000 Books Before School program. Three books each evening will see your youngster achieve their 1000 books in less than a year.

So start reading now.  Membership is free for all residents.

See you soon at the library.