Cessnock City Library was successful in securing a grant from the LBW Trust. The library has used the $1,500 grant to purchase storytelling aids for its Storytime and Rhymetime programs.
The LBW Trust, in collaboration with Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA) and Harvey Norman, awarded grants to 78 country libraries throughout regional, rural and remote Australia. The grants, which total $110,126, will be used to support a variety of library programs.
Library Services Co-ordinator Rose-marie Walters said the grant has allowed the library to expand its collection of Australian and Indigenous storytelling resources, especially for storytelling around topics of nature and caring for the environment.
“We are so grateful to receive this funding from the LBW Trust. It makes a huge difference for communities such as ours,” said Ms Walters.
“The new storytelling aids will support popular weekly programs such as Storytime and Rhymetime.
“If you’re in the Cessnock LGA, I hope you’ll pop into your library and see what resources and experiences we have to offer. There’s something for everyone, from books and movies to computers and programs for all ages.”
Chair of the LBW Trust Marek Ristwej said he was pleased to see proceeds of the annual National Backyard Cricket fundraiser directed to supporting regional libraries.
“Backyard cricket holds a special place in Australia and it is wonderful to be able to combine our love of cricket with supporting country libraries,” said Mr Ristwej.
FOLA President Jack Goodman says “Country libraries are at the heart of the community, providing havens where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to share ideas, learn new skills and connect with each other. These grants are another example of the exceptional projects being run by Australiaʼs country public libraries.”
For more information about Rhymetime and Storytime and to see the schedule, visit: https://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/libraries/For-kids-teens/Kids/Rhymetime-and-Storytime
