If your old children’s books at home are no longer being used, it is likely that they will find love elsewhere and with Rooby Roo on the hunt for more books, there has never been a better time to donate.
St Clair Youth and Neighbourhood Team (SCYNT) are holding a book drive next week as part of Penrith’s Paint the town REaD campaign, an initiative encouraging children to read.
With the help of the cuddly mascot, Rooby Roo, the team are collecting pre-loved or unwanted children’s books at the Autumnleaf Neighbourhood Centre, on the corner of Autumnleaf Parade and Timesweep Drive, St Clair, between Monday, September 15 and Friday, September 19.
The books will be distributed across the local area to give children who may not have access to books a chance to read.
“It is all about promoting early literature, so encouraging parents to start reading to their children from pretty much the time they are born. This helps to prepare the children for when they begin school,” said Frances Zammit, SCYNT Community and Promotions Worker.
“We want to make books part of everyday life for children in the area because it is just so important.”
Paint the Town REaD is an initiative that was originally developed after research proved that reading to children before they are school-aged provides them with foundational literacy skills that are critical for helping them attain literacy competency at school.
“When we get lots of books, we are hoping to start approaching local shopping centres and other places, like doctors surgeries, where parents usually take their children, to see if they would be interested in setting up book corners,” Ms Zammit said.
All books can be dropped off at the Autumnleaf Neighbourhood Centre.
