Actor and Play School presenter Rhys Muldoon will join a group of storytelling dads this Saturday [March 8] for the Dalby Dads read Day at the new Dalby Library at MyALL 107.
The free public event, supported by Arrow Energy, is the Western Downs debut of the Dads Read program which encourages dads to read to their young children.
State Library of Queensland launched Dads read, a family literacy program, in 2012 to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of fathers and families reading to their children.
Research has shown that just 10 minutes of reading to children a day helps strengthen their literacy and cognitive abilities, builds self-esteem, social competence and fosters a love of reading.
Arrow CEO Andrew Faulkner said the joy of reading was one of the most precious gifts a parent could give their child.
“I’m proud that Arrow’s partnership with State Library of Queensland and Western Downs Libraries has been able to bring Dads Read to Dalby,” Mr Faulkner said.
“Sharing that power of reading not only spreads the joy of reading and learning but boots their literacy levels.
“Arrow has many staff who are fathers and who work on projects away from home and can find it hard to fit in quality time reading with their children.
“This program encourages fathers to make that time.”
Arrow’s partnership with State Library of Queensland was launched in Brisbane last December.
Queensland Arts Minister Ian Walker said he applauded the Dalby Dads Read Day as part of an invaluable partnership that delivered an innovative and accessible multi-literacy program.
“Arrow’s support will help State Library extend its programs to more regional locations across the Western Downs and by working locally with the community, build on existing literacy programs that target young families and young people,” Mr Walker said.
“The benefits will extend well beyond 2014, through the improved skills and engagement of the participants, but also through the professional skills development of their staff at Western Downs Library.
“I congratulate Arrow Energy, State Library and Western Downs Libraries on this visionary partnership and commend Arrow Energy in particular for its passion for improving the communities in which it works.”
State Library of Queensland State Librarian and CEO Janette Wright said she was very pleased the Dads read program was continuing to grow and broaden its reach into more regional centres through partnerships with public libraries and supporters like Arrow.
“The Dads Read family literacy initiative is about working with and within communities to raise awareness of the importance of literacy development and we appreciate Arrow’s support in helping us do that,” she said.
Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Cultural Development and Health Services, Councillor Carolyn Tillman, said the program coincided with the new vibrant cultural centre taking shape in Dalby.
“It’s great to see such a wonderful program helping families in practical ways and I’m excited it’s being held at this valuable new community resource we have which will benefit our whole community,” Cr Tillman said.
The partnership is part of Arrow’s $4.6 million investment in 117 community projects across the state last year, under Arrow’s Brighter Futures community investment fund.
Dads read Family fun Day will be held in the new library forecourt from 9am-1pm which is part of Dalby’s new arts, leisure and learning precinct called MyALL 107 at 107 Drayton Street.
The redeveloped centre houses the Dalby Library, Dalby Civic Theatre, Gallery 107 @ Dalby and Western Downs Regional Community Radio 4DDD.
Visit the Arrow stand for tips on how to use technology to help with family reading time, pick up a free Dads Read kit and listen to online storytelling sessions.