NEW STORY KITS HELP BUILD EARLY LITERACY SKILLS
Over 50 Story Kits are now available through Macquarie Regional Library branches.
Specifically designed for children aged 0 – 5 years and their parents and caregivers, Story Kits are aimed at improving early literacy skills in the community.
The Story Kits provide a convenient way for parents to select resources suited to their child’s interests and provide a fun at-home experience whilst building early literacy skills.
Each kit includes books related to a theme and a tactile item such as a puppet, puzzle or toy to support learning and enhance enjoyment. The kits also include a user guide for parents and carers which includes a song or rhyme they can practice with their child based on the set theme.
“The Story Kits are themed and designed to provide a story time experience at home for library customers and support the early literacy programs that the Macquarie Regional Library offer,” Macquarie Regional Library Manager, Kathryn McAlister said.
“There are 53 Story Kits available at present across the Macquarie Regional Library network, which have been carefully curated by experienced library staff to include quality literature and tactile resources.”
“The Story Kits include popular themes such as dinosaurs and diggers, as well as foundational themes such as numbers. There are also kits focused on important milestones in children’s lives such as starting school, the arrival of a new sibling and dealing with grief and loss.”
The new Story Kits are just one of the early literacy initiatives offered at Macquarie Regional Library. The 1000 Books Before School program is free to library members and allows parents and caregivers to share books with their child whilst building early literacy skills.
“The 1000 Books Before School program allows you to keep a record of the books shared with your child in the preschool years with the aim to reach 1000 before they turn six.”
Every book that your child listens to counts. You can read books from anywhere - not just library books.
“The 1000 Books Before School is a great program to help our youngest members develop a love for reading and books,” Ms McAlister said.
For more information about the free early literacy programs available visit our Dubbo or Wellington branches and speak to our friendly team.
Not a member of the Macquarie Regional Library? Become a member for free at www.mrl.nsw.gov.au.
Last Edited: 08 Apr 2025