Iconic children’s author Mem Fox is set to visit Mount Gambier next month to discuss the joy and importance of reading.
The Mount Gambier Library will host the beloved children’s author on May 8 at 6pm at City Hall.
Ms Fox is best known for her books such as Possum Magic, 10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes, Where is the Green Sheep? and dozens of other beloved children’s stories.
Starting as an ambassador for the Premier’s Reading Challenge in 2004, Ms Fox says her great passion is encouraging adults to read to the young children in their lives.
During her time in the Limestone Coast, Ms Fox will be visiting four schools in Mount Gambier and will also be presenting to adults at the City Hall event.
The Premier’s Reading Challenge now has over 120,000 students from 670 schools completing the Challenge each year.
Premier’s Challenge manager Mark Williams acknowledged Limestone Coast schools for their participation in the challenge over many years.
“The Premier’s Reading challenge is fortunate that Mem Fox visits schools across the state as an ambassador to promote the joy of reading. I am not sure who gets more excited about Mem visiting, the students or the adults,” Mr Williams said.
Premier’s Reading Challenge ambassadors play an important role in promoting the challenge.
During the event Ms Fox will discuss the wide-ranging benefits of reading aloud to babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.
“It is all about the bonding, brain-development, the amazing language learning and the absolutely hysterical fun,” Ms Fox said.
City of Mount Gambier Library and Community Development manager Georgina Davison said the event would be a highlight for the region.
“We are so excited to be hosting Mem Fox to promote the Premier’s Reading Challenge through our schools, as well as sharing her knowledge regarding the importance and lifelong benefits of reading in general,” she said.
“Mem is a legend in her field, it is such an honour to be able to host her as she shares her knowledge and passion for stories and reading and their associated benefits.
“Her visit supports the wonderful Words Grow Minds campaign that has been rolled out across the state promoting the importance of reading to children from birth.”
This event is suitable for ages 16+ and focuses on the importance of reading to children from birth and will also be available through a live stream to Mount Gambier Library’s Facebook page.
Bookings open on April 10 through the Mount Gambier Library. For more information please contact the library on (08) 8721 2540.
