11 am Wednesday 22nd May

National Simultaneous Storytime is an important annual campaign that aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books. Now in its 13th successful year it is a colourful, vibrant and fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy using an Australian children's book that explores age appropriate themes and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Grades 1 to 6.

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country.

By facilitating National Simultaneous Storytime we aim to;

• promote the value of reading and literacy;
• promote the value and fun of books;
• promote an Australian writer and publisher;
• promote storytime activities in public libraries and communities around the country;
• provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and the wider community to participate in and enjoy the occasion.

NSS receives positive media coverage, generates a great deal of community interest and is held annually as part of Library and Information Week.

In 2012 over 380,000 children at over 2,000 locations across Australia took part in National Simultaneous Storytime, reading the book The Very Cranky Bear, written by Nick Bland and enjoying a range of supporting educational activities, songs, games, dress ups and lots of fun. Have a look at some of the highlights from our 2012 event.