Let's Read Program Launch

It was a busy morning in the Library today with our regulars returning books after the weekend and an influx of children, carers, politicians, Councillors, photographers, cameras and catering.

Today we helped launch the Let's Read program partners in Orange – Smith Family, Orange City Council Playgroups, Schools As Communities, Central West Playgroups and Brighter Futures, Benevolent Society. The group see themselves as fortunate to have received this program through Smith Family in Orange and Panterra Press and hope to extend it to reach as many young families as possible during the next two years. Orange City Library Manager Jan Richards (pictured) spoke about the many benefits of reading to children of a young age and program's importance in the upcoming National Year of Reading to help improve literacy skills.

Orange Mayor Cr John Davis, Federal Member for Calare John Cobb, State Member for Orange Andrew Gee and Orange City Councillor Fiona Rossiter presented book packs to children during the morning. The Let's Read program will be run through the local playgroups for parents and carers. On behalf of local author Charlotte Calder, Orange City Librarian Elizabeth Barry (pictured) entertained the children with a reading of Stuck! and they joined in craft activities followed by a delicious morning tea catered for by Canobolas Rural Technology Year 12 Hospitality students (pictured) Dianne, Stef and Ashleigh. Applause all round and thank you to everyone who came along.