Storytime will be returning to Ararat Regional Library, providing children with a fun and engaging way to develop their literacy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Grant Thomas had been presenting Storytime in Ararat for about three years.
During the pandemic he helped host online sessions for children to watch.
Mr Thomas said this had worked well as a temporary substitute.
READ MORE:
"We used to film in the library, and then we transitioned to the Ararat Town Hall, and we were able to use all the equipment to produce a much better product," he said.
"Kylee (Whiting) and myself hosted Rhyme Time online for 14 episodes.
"It was placed on Youtube, so people all over the world watched it.
"It was also on the Library Facebook page, which was well visited."
Mr Thomas said while creating the online content had been a great experience, he was eager to return to the traditional format.
"I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it's lovely to just go back live again," he said.
"It's wonderful when the children can have that one-on-one experience.
"I personally get a great deal of satisfaction from doing it for children, because they are our future."
Mr Thomas also noted steps were being taken to maximise people's safety.
"We have some green vinyl discs that we're going to put on the carpeted area 1.5 metres apart," he said.
"They have been used to doing a sit down craft session after Storytime, but at this time, due to COVID, we won't be doing craft. They will at least be able to take something home to colour in."
Ararat Rural City Council chief executive officer Dr Tim Harrison said having Storytime back was great news for the region.
"The Storytime program is a fun way to introduce young ones to the joys of reading, stories and song," he said.
"Our Library helps bring young children, parents, grandparents and their carers together to read, listen and better connect with the community."
Storytime will return on Thursday, February 4, at 11am.
Bookings for Storytime are strongly encouraged as spaces are limited to 20 children at a time.
People can make bookings by phoning the library on 5352 1722.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.