Novel learning idea just what the doctor ordered

Hinterland families can now read and borrow children’s books while waiting for their appointments at Cooroora Family Health in Pomona.

It’s thanks to a donation of a “little library” from Noosa Library Service.

Practice owner, Dr Ann Buchan, and practice manager Wendy Haebich took delivery of the little library, stocked with 30 new books, from Noosa Library Service staff last week.

“These free books will be great for young children,” said Dr Ann, a keen reader since she was three years of age.

“We plan to make this a central part of our new children’s waiting area.”

The little library, funded by State Library of Queensland’s First 5 Forever family literacy program, was built by Noosa Men’s Shed.

It is the second one to be donated in the Noosa area. Families are invited to take a book, read a book, or donate a book to maintain the collection.

First 5 Forever is about improving the outcomes for all Queensland children aged 0-5 years by supporting confidence around communication and learning through simple, everyday experiences, such as visiting the doctor.

Maureen O’Shea, Young People’s Service Librarian at Noosa Library Service, encourages parents, grandparents and caregivers in the community to use the resources provided by this program.

“First 5 Forever directly supports parents and primary caregivers as their child’s first and most important educator,” she said. 

“Our aim is to provide families with increased access to the resources they need through public libraries and wherever families meet.

“The first five years of life are when children’s language learning begins. If we read just one book each day to our children from birth, they would have heard over 1,800 stories by their 5th birthday.”

An initiative of the State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Government, First 5 Forever, is delivered locally in partnership with Noosa Council.

12 June 2017