Cowboys legend to help teach young North Queenslanders to learn to love reading

Cowboys legend and life member Matthew Bowen will take part in the National Simultaneous Storytime 2018 to teach a new generation of North Queensland kids to develop a love of reading.

Bowen will read Hickory Dickory Dash – from popular Australian children’s author Tony Wilson – to local children and families at Thuringowa Library on Wednesday May 23 at 10am, as part of the event.

Bowen, who works with the Cowboys as a Community Ambassador, is involved in various education-based programs and said that he looks forward to participating in the event.

“I’m happy to contribute by helping encourage kids and their parents to make the most of our local libraries – it’s important that we value education, and an improved interest in reading can help with that,” he said.

Local Councillor Russ Cook said it was important to foster a passion for reading among Townsville youngsters.

“Reading is such an important skill for life and we need to do everything we can to encourage the next generation of North Queenslanders to develop a love of reading,” Cr Cook said.

“We’re very excited to have Matt Bowen as a guest reader for National Simultaneous Storytime and hope that many families and children will come along.”

The National Simultaneous Storytime 2018 reading is being held during national Library and Information Week – which will allow Townsville locals to gain a new appreciation for the facilities and services that their local library can provide.

Library and Information Week showcases the resources, events, facilities, programs and services on offer at CityLibraries around Townsville.

Cr Cook said libraries play an essential role in our community.

“Some people don’t realise that our libraries offer far more than just books – the programs, events and services on offer in our facilities throughout Townsville are truly amazing,” Cr Cook said.

“Our CityLibraries run programs to help seniors become more tech savvy, encourage children’s development through nursery rhymes and they even have a 3D printer.

“Our libraries play an essential role in our community, being an inclusive and educational environment for people of all ages and backgrounds.”

For more information on National Simultaneous Storytime 2018 visit our What's On Townsville website