Braybrook is now home to a program giving hard of hearing children the chance to be a part of the classic library storytime every week.
Auslan Bilingual Story Time is a free event, run out of the Braybrook Library every Tuesday from 11am to 11.45am.
Each session is presented in Auslan by a deaf storyteller along with a children’s librarian who will present in English.
Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said this is another example of inclusivity in a diverse community.
“The Auslan bilingual storytime sessions usually draws a crowd of 25 children, plus their parents or carers. We don’t collect location information, and all are welcome to attend,” she said.
“The sessions are designed to provide exposure to the language rather than offering a comprehensive language course.
“We focus on introducing children to Auslan through engaging activities, and recommend that families attend all sessions where possible, as each session features a new book.
“The City of Maribyrnong is known for its commitment to inclusivity, and we are proud to offer weekly bilingual story time sessions in Auslan, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Vietnamese at our Braybrook Library branch, and in Tibetan at the Tibetan Language School in Footscray.”
The event is suitable for children aged three to five including deaf and hard of hearing children, their families, and carers.
It is presented in partnership with Deaf Children Australia and supported by the Victorian Multicultural Storytime Program.
Gerald Lynch
