To encourage imaginative play and boost language development, the Bundaberg Regional Library’s children’s area has undergone a colourful transformation.
The refresh was made possible from funding received from First 5 Forever, a statewide program providing strong early literacy foundations for Queensland children aged from birth to five-years.
Providing more opportunities for children and families to engage with the library’s collection and space was one of the main requirements considered during the redesign.
Children friendly furniture was chosen to create an inviting, bright and flexible space.
Council’s Arts, Culture and Events portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said, in the last financial year, part of the annual First 5 Forever funding was allocated to create a welcoming and enriching area for children visiting the Bundaberg Library.
“The comfortable chairs encourage families to linger and read stories aloud,” Cr Learmonth said.
“The new picture book boxes are set at a height perfect for children to independently choose their books.
“The area is set up to naturally encourage different types of play which in turn boosts language development.”
Many little library visitors and their families would remember listening to stories being read in the children’s area storytelling pit.
The flexible, new layout saw the storytelling pit decommissioned and donated to a worthy cause.
Through an expression of interest process, Goodstart Early Learning was the successful recipient and it has been installed at their centre.
Another new feature is the library’s play kitchen that is inspiring children’s imaginations, fine motor and language skills.
More about the Bundaberg Regional Libraries Under 5’s program can be found here.
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.
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