Published on Monday, 15 April 2024 at 2:48:42 PM
Celebrating its first birthday this month, The Storytime Way has become a beloved community resource, captivating families with its interactive outdoor storytime trail.
Located along the picturesque foreshore near Busselton Primary School and extending to Longlands Park in Geographe, this innovative trail encourages families to read, talk, sing, dance and laugh together as they explore each panel.
With story panels changing every few months, this engaging outdoor activity, suitable for both walking and riding, has become a favourite among families with young children.
Recognised at a State level for its outstanding service to community and in September last year, winning the Local Government Professionals WA Community Development Innovative Partnership Award for Regional, the City’s Libraries and The Storytime Way offers an exciting means of reading books while enjoying the great outdoors.
Mayor Phill Cronin said, “The Storytime Way project has been a unique way to engage families and connect them to our libraries. Following a trail situated along a scenic coastal shared path and nearby park, twenty storybook panels feature pages of a fun, vibrantly illustrated and often local children's books – what a wonderful initiative! It’s been great to see just how popular the trail is and more importantly, just how well it promotes early literacy.”
The project has allowed the Libraries to deliver beyond their facilities, with four stories featured on the storytime trail over the last 12 months: Where ya Goin’? by Author Steve Heron and Illustrator Matty Mitchell; Wombat can’t sing by Author Katie Stewart; Bush Magic by Author and Illustrator Kylie Howarth; and the current Storytime Way book, Jetty Jumping by Author Andrea Rowe and Illustrator Hannah Sommerville.
To celebrate The Storytime Way's first birthday, the Busselton Library is hosting a special event free of charge on Saturday 20 April 2024 from 11.00am to 12.30pm. No registration required. The festivities will include an interactive storytelling session with award-winning author Andrea Rowe, creator of the book ‘Jetty Jumping.’ The day will be full of activities, craft, delicious cake and fun with Barney the Barn Owl from Paint the Cape REaD. Dymocks Busselton will be onsite for book sales. The winner of the Storytime Way competition will also be announced.
Come along and join the Busselton Library to mark this special occasion and immerse yourself in a world of literacy, creativity and community spirit!
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2021 - 2031) Key Themes Lifestyle: A place that is relaxed, safe and friendly with services and facilities that support our lifestyle.
Photo for general use: Andrea Rowe – Jetty Jumping by Yanni
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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