The one hour program for children aged 0 to 5 years not only promotes literacy skills, but engagement with the Library’s services as well.

Manager of Library Services and Collections Lindy Allan said the program helps create good Library habits at a young age that continues as they grow.

“So when the children reach Primary School and High School they will have that lifelong love of reading,” she said.

Unlike the weekly Rhyme Time, which doesn’t need bookings, Ms Allan said Storytime was a bit more structured.

“Storytime goes for a little longer where children, parents and carers sing rhymes and then they sit down and do small craft activities which helps give them early skills of colouring and more..,” she said.

“So it’s also a good introduction for what parents and children can expect at school.”

Ms Allan said they encourage parents and carers to book in for the full Term.

“We have limited numbers so that we can organise the program better for more engagement between the Library staff and those attending,” she said.

Storytime is presented each Tuesday and Wednesday at 11am.

Term 1 finishes on April 11.

Term 2 commences Tuesday, May until Wednesday, July 4. Bookings for Term 2 commence on Monday, April 23.

To find out more visit www.mrl.nsw.gov.au

The Dubbo Library has also just partnered with ‘Story Box Library’, where parents and carers can watch Australian stories being read by some of the country’s finest storytellers on their computer, tablet or smartphone.

Those interested in Story Box Library can head to the Dubbo Library’s website and log in using their library card to access it.

“Story Box Library demonstrates to parents ways to read to their child,” Ms Allan said.