Auslan Storytimes launch at Townsville Citylibraries for Auslan Day

For the first time ever in Townsville, deaf and hard of hearing children and their families will be able to experience a library story time session in Auslan. Find out more.

Townsville City Libraries Children's and Youth Services librarian Bel Rose is set for Auslan Day. Picture: Evan Morgan

For the first time ever in Townsville, deaf and hard of hearing children and their families will be able to experience a library story time session in Auslan.

The sessions, held by Deaf Connect, will run on the second Saturday of each month at Citylibraries Flinders Street starting on Saturday April 13, to coincide with Auslan Day.

The Storytime sessions will be presented by a Deaf storyteller in Auslan with an Auslan interpreter who reads a story out loud in English.

These events are supported by First 5 Forever, a government initiative supporting Queensland families to talk read, sing and play with their babies and young children in the first five years.

Story time presenter Mark Hooper said the program was important to help build confidence in young, deaf people and also to foster connections between families in Townsville’s deaf community.

“I believe a deaf role model is important to influence children, that sign language is important to have bilingual language,” he said.

Townsville City Libraries Children's and Youth Services librarian Bel Rose is set for Aslan Day. Picture: Evan Morgan

The sessions aim to create equal access to storytelling and create an inclusive and safe space for reading and learning.

Deaf Connect currently runs the program in NSW and Darwin and are excited to start the sessions in Townsville – the first program in Queensland.

Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson said the sessions were organised with the whole family in mind.

“We are proud to be delivering Auslan Storytime for Townsville’s young deaf and hard of hearing residents, as well as for visitors to the city,” Cr Thompson said.

“These fun, interactive sessions are designed for the whole family to come along and watch stories come to life, learn new signs and meet new friends.”

Bookings are not required to attend the free sessions, those interested are encouraged to head along to the events held from 10am to 11am.

For more information and list of dates visit whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/auslan-storytime

Originally published as Auslan Storytimes launch at Townsville Citylibraries for Auslan Day