The 19th annual National Simultaneous Storytime will take place at 11am AEST Wednesday 22 May in public libraries, bookshops, kindergartens and schools, with children across the country all reading the same book: Alpacas with Maracas, written and illustrated by Matt Cosgrove.

The initiative is coordinated by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) as part of Library and Information Week. Last year was the biggest event to date, with more than 1 million children participating at 8,255 locations.

As part of National Simultaneous Storytime, Geelong Regional Library Corporation Chair, Councillor Ron Nelson will guest read Alpacas with Maracas to children at libraries across the region.

Cr Nelson’s fellow Geelong Regional Library Corporation Board members and local councillors – including the City of Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood – are also guest reading at libraries throughout the region. 

Geelong Regional Libraries offers more than 50 early literacy sessions weekly across all branches, including Baby Time, Toddler Time and Preschool Storytime as well Sensory Storytime which provides opportunities for children with additional needs to experience the magic of stories.

National Simultaneous Storytime will run at each of the Geelong Regional Libraries branches with the exception of Barwon Heads and Chilwell. No bookings are necessary, just turn up on the day and enjoy the story; you can find the details here.

Find out more about Geelong Regional Libraries’ early literacy initiatives.

Find out more about the state-wide Libraries Change Lives campaign.