Jol and Kate Temple’s I got this hat will be read at libraries across the Clarence Valley as part of celebrations for National Simultaneous Storytime. Regional librarian, Kathryn Breward, said simultaneous storytime was a fun annual event that focused on kids and stories, the building blocks for literacy development. “Clarence Valley libraries offer entertaining storytimes and I encourage parents and carers to bring the kids along to reinforce the enjoyment of reading,” she said. National Simultaneous Storytime aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books. It is a colourful, vibrant and fun event that uses an Australian children’s book to explore age appropriate themes and addresses key learning areas of the national curriculum for grades 1 to 6. It is now in its 16th year. Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Library storytimes are free weekly events. Special National Simultaneous Storytimes will be held at: Iluka library 10:30am, Wednesday, May 27 Grafton library 11am, Wednesday, May 27 Yamba library 11am, Wednesday, May 27 Maclean and Yamba and Grafton libraries will also read the book at their usual weekly Storytime sessions, Tuesdays at 10:30am for Yamba, and 10:30am Thursdays for Maclean and Grafton. Storytime is held in all the libraries all year round, please contact your library for dates and times.