Make your child's first card a library card! Children can become Gold Coast Libraries members from the day they're born, and we encourage you to join them online at the earliest opportunity.
Our library resources offer plenty of ways you can build a strong foundation for your child's future development online and at home. Visit your library or our eLibrary for kids to explore our great resources.
When and how to read
Try to create a time for reading with your child every day. Storytime can be any time of the day for you at home and it's a wonderful way to create quality one-on-one time for you and your child. It isn't just about reading books word-for-word or page-for-page; it can be a conversation between you and your child about what you both see in the book.
It's never too early to start reading to your baby
Find a time of day when your baby is alert and interested in what's happening around them. Try to look at both them and the book, to see what they're looking at and showing an interest in. Point to the pictures and talk about the things your baby is looking at. Try to use your voice in different ways to make the story time as interesting as possible - loud and soft, happy and sad. If you find books your baby loves, read them over and over.
Enjoy the experience
Above all, enjoy the reading experience with your child. There are no set rules - you don't have to say the words written on the page, you can make up stories to go along with the pictures. Make sharing books with your child as much fun as possible, and of course, encourage them to enjoy all the amazing resources and opportunities available from their library!
First 5 Forever
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by the State Library of Queensland. It's a program providing strong early literacy foundations for all Queensland children aged 0-5 years. Explore articles, tips and activities to make the most of your child's first five years.