Last Wednesday more than 50 excited primary school children from Bairnsdale Primary School attended the Bairnsdale Library for a special Storytime with the mayor, Cr John White, to celebrate the joy of reading together as part of National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS).
At exactly noon, they were part of a nationwide moment, as children and families across Australia turned the pages of The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell – a moving tale of cats and humans, immigration, identity, and finding home.
Now in its 25th year, NSS continues to bring millions of Australians together through a shared love of books and storytelling. With last year’s event drawing more than 2.3 million participants, this year’s celebration was even more vibrant, as libraries, schools, early learning centres, homes, and community hubs all took part in reading the same story, at the same time.
At the heart of NSS is a simple truth: reading together builds connection, strengthens literacy, and inspires young imaginations.
The event at the Bairnsdale Library was are a reminder of how libraries bring people together through free, inclusive programs that support learning and create joyful, shared experiences.
Let’s keep reading, learning and growing together – because stories matter.
