Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Council Library has launched the first of ten First 5 Forever story seats to be rolled out progressively across the region.
The first story seat features artwork from the popular children’s book Josephine Wants to Dance. The book tells a story about believing in yourself and following your dreams.
Councillor John Connolly said the story seats were a great part of the First 5 Forever early childhood literacy program.
“Families with children under five should head to Nelson Park to explore the magic of storytelling at the purpose-built story seat.
“The story seat is a colourful, engaging and positive way of encouraging parents and caregivers to play a proactive role in the development of their child’s early literacy skill from 0-5 years.”
Community Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said Sunshine Coast Libraries had been granted $1 million over four years by the Queensland Government to implement the First 5 Forever program.
“The aim of this universal family literacy program is to support strong language and literacy environments for young children from 0–5 years and their families.
“We have already implemented a number of activities under this program and we are now installing colourful story seats in parks across the region which will be a visible way of promoting literacy inviting families to engage in storytelling, active play, singing and reading.
“The seats, designed by council’s Parks and Gardens area, reinforce the message, ‘the first five years last a lifetime’.”
