Low literacy rates tackled through NSW first program 

A New South Wales first program is seeking to tackle low literacy rates in Lake Macquarie by putting more books in the hands of preschool children.

Lake Macquarie City Council’s Little Libraries program will roll out in targeted areas across the city, supplying preschools in lower socio-economic areas with books and reading resources.

Mayor Adam Shultz (pictured reading to children) said analysis by Lake Macquarie Libraries of 2023 NAPLAN test results had identified parts of the city with lower literacy rates that would benefit from a program targeting preschool children.

“The goal is to improve literacy outcomes as they move through primary school and beyond,” he said.

“Learning to read opens up limitless opportunities for a child. It is essential for their future academic achievements and career, but even at preschool age it ignites their imagination, sparks their curiosity and broadens their understanding of the world around them.”

Eight preschools in Morisset, Toronto, Edgeworth, Cardiff, Glendale, Windale, Belmont and Swansea will receive a collection of books and resources connecting to Lake Mac Libraries branches, with Council’s Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley explaining that plans were underway to partner with other local preschools.

“We’re seeking partners to help deliver the program right across Lake Macquarie,” she said.

“We have more than 70 preschools in our city, and we’d like to see this rolled out to all of them through partnerships with local businesses and sponsors.”

While the initiative is not “an overnight fix,” she continued, the Council hopes that Little Libraries will help introduce children to the magic of reading and create links between preschool children and their families with Lake Macquarie Libraries branches and resources.

Council will monitor NAPLAN literacy results in target areas over the next 10 years to gauge the program’s success.

“We’re proud to be taking this proactive approach that we’re confident will reap long-term benefits for children and families in Lake Macquarie,” Ms Hemsley said.