23 May 2011

The Wiggles & ALIA urge parents to 'Make Australia a Reading Nation’ -Community Service Announcement

The superstar group has thrown their support behind the cause of literacy, fun times and sharing books to encourage children to get into the reading habit.

“We’d like you to help us help make Australia a Reading Nation” said Anthony Field, founding member of The Wiggles.

“By the age of 3 we’ve developed half our adult language, so what happens at home, in kinder and in the library in those early years is really important.”

“Children don’t need to be able to read when they start school, but it makes a big difference if they already love books, rhymes and stories – so share a book today!” Mr Field said.

The Wiggles worked with the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to produce one ‘Early Childhood’ and one ‘School Starters’ Community Service Announcement, being launched as part of Library and Information Week 2011 (23 – 29 May) at www.alia.org.au/wiggles and via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Executive Director of ALIA Sue Hutley said the two advertisements are an “amazing show of support, and the timing of this generous support could not be better.”
“It is estimated that 46% of Australians struggle with the basics of everyday literacy – many of them seeking help from their local library with things like filling in forms. Literacy is the key not only to a better life but also to a great future for the nation” Ms Hutley said.

“Give your child the best start in life” Anthony Field continued. “Sing songs and make up stories together. Borrow books from your library! Take part in storytimes and wriggle along with The Wiggles!” Mr Field said.

The Wiggles and ALIA’s “Let’s make Australia a Reading Nation” call to action is just one of the literacy initiatives that ALIA conducts with the support of its 6,000 members in the library and information sector.

Over 140,000 children will participate in National Simultaneous Storytime and share a fabulous Australian tale about self-acceptance at 11am on Wednesday 25 May as part of Library and Information Week.

Sue Hutley concluded by saying that “Right now, it’s safe to say The Wiggles have no bigger fans than the hundreds of library professionals who work with children.”

ENDS