31 August 2004

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS), 3 September 2004

On Friday 3 September 2004 at 11:00 am (AEST) schools, libraries and preschools and early childhood centres from Broome to Hobart will join in the reading of the picture book, Muddled-up farm to more than 250 000 Australian children.

Now in its fourth successful year, National Simultaneous Storytime 2004 will be held during Literacy and Numeracy Week, a commonwealth government initiative that celebrates and acknowledges the vital work being done in schools and communities around Australia to develop literacy and numeracy skills in young people. While the week aims to improve literacy and numeracy standards of Australians of all ages, National Simultaneous Storytime is aimed at young children aged three to eight years.

The event, organised by the Australian Library and Information Association and sponsored by Australia Post, promotes the value of reading and literacy, the enjoyment of reading, the importance of Australia's book industry and the role of libraries.

Muddled-up farm, written by popular Australian author Mike Dumbleton and illustrated by Jobi Murphy was awarded Book of the Year 2003 by Speech Pathology Australia.

Several high-profile Australians will read the book to promote the importance of reading to young children. These high-profile literacy champions will include Minister for Education, Hon Dr Brendan Nelson, authors Libby Gleeson, Matt Reilly and Christopher Cheng, as well as sporting heroes Karl Vander Kuyp and Brett Lee, media celebrities Melissa Doyle and Adam Spencer, and many others.

Australia Post's sponsorship of National Simultaneous Storytime complements a range of educational activities promoted by the organisation as a steadfast supporter of National Literacy and Numeracy Week.

For more information on National Simultaneous Storytime around Australia, and how you can become involved, please contact the Australian Library and Information Association, PO Box 6335 Kingston 2604, ph 02 6215 8235, or visit the National Simultaneous Storytime information page on ALIAnet at http://alia.org.au/advocacy/storytime/.