Brimbank City Council in western Melbourne is joining other Victorian councils in a campaign to foster early literacy skills.
Research shows that children who are read to every day from an early age have extended vocabularies, increased reading readiness and improved cognitive skills when they enter school.
Brimbank Libraries are participating in 1000 Books Before School, the first state-wide program in Australia that is designed to work with families to promote early literacy skills and combat the scourge of adult illiteracy in communities.
The program is a joint initiative of State Library Victoria and Public Libraries Victoria Network.
Brimbank Libraries are among 200 libraries across Victoria participating in this early literacy campaign.
Brimbank City Council Mayor John Hedditch said Brimbank Libraries is implementing the early literacy initiative to encourage parents to read 1000 books with their children from birth until they begin school.
“The more a child is read to in their pre-school years, the better prepared they are when they start to learn how to read and write.
“We encourage all families to join the program at a Brimbank library and begin their reading journey with their children, and have lots of fun doing it.”
Vice President of the Public Libraries Victoria Network, Jenny Ruffy, said, “Public libraries play a vital role in supporting families with their children’s early literacy.
“We’re delighted that this program encourages parents across Victoria to read to their kids regularly, and help them to develop a love of language and reading.”
The program will complement Brimbank Libraries existing early years reading and literacy programs such as Baby Bounce, Toddler Time and Pre School Story Time.
