Hip hip hooray for First 5 Forever

Lockyer Valley Libraries will host an exciting birthday celebration next month – and you’re invited to come along!

The First 5 Forever program, which began in 2015, is turning 10! The initiative offers story time, rhyme time, and baby play in hour-long library sessions designed to build literacy foundations in babies and toddlers.

For a decade, the early literacy initiative, delivered by the State Library of Queensland in partnership with public libraries, has delivered our weekly Story Time sessions, and much more.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Libraries and Galleries Portfolio Councillor Julie Reck said a special event was in the pipeline to mark the occasion.

“Our First 5 Forever Story Times help build strong foundations and are always well-attended at both our Gatton and Laidley Libraries.

“Our Library staff kicked off the grant funding to start our Friday Story Times and have since added a second Saturday Story Time at the Gatton Library, in addition to the lineup of regular activities.

“During COVID, we live-streamed the weekly Story Times on Facebook to continue supporting families and the community at home.

“It was under the First 5 Forever banner that we started the Welcome Baby Celebration in 2017, and we have continued yearly ever since,” Cr Reck said.

Other regular outreach events have also been developed with the funding, such as Make a Library Bear, Teddy Bear Sleepover, National Simultaneous Story Time, Ballet in the Library, Talk Like a Pirate Day, Music on the Mat and Lego/DUPLO sessions.

“Throughout the past decade, we’ve applied for strategic priority grants from First 5 Forever that have delivered a range of projects that we wouldn’t normally have the means to do.

“These include everything from the path stickers around Lake Apex, story paths at Narda Lagoon and Lake Apex and the colourful carpet squares at the Gatton Library.

“Come along for messy play, face painting, cake and coffee – we hope you can celebrate with us,” Cr Reck said.

WHAT: Celebrate the First 5 Forever program’s 10th birthday party!

WHEN: Friday 10 October, 9.30am - 11.30am

WHERE: Lake Apex Park, Gatton

Bookings required at library.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/Events

For more information, visit www.library.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au or contact the Gatton Library on 5466 3434 or the Laidley Library on 5466 8867.