New State Library reading program brings Aboriginal language books to Kimberley families

Broome Public Library welcomed a special initiative this morning, hosting the launch of interactive reading packs to support early literacy development for Aboriginal communities. As part of the launch, free Little Fulla Yarns Aboriginal Reading Packs will be given to families in the Kimberley, which include books by Aboriginal authors, clap sticks, stickers, finger puppets and information sheets to support parents to share books with their children. Developed by the State Library of WA’s early literacy specialists, in consultation with Aboriginal families, the packs will be distributed through public libraries, the WA Country Health Service and the Child and Adolescent Health Service. The State Library also planned to work with the Yawuru Language Centre to translate the picture book Baby Ways into Yawuru, so families could access a bilingual version of the text. The packs were developed with the support of Rio Tinto, which has supported the State Library’s Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program since 2005, a program delivered to all families with newborn babies and children in kindergartens in WA. In addition to building on the Better Beginnings program, the initiative will also compliment the State Government’s $1 million election commitment to improve Aboriginal literacy, through expanding the program in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman said public libraries were great places for families, with free resources and learning support. “Taking time to read, yarn, sing, draw and play with your little fullas will support Aboriginal families to build their children’s literacy skills,” he said. “The Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program continues to have a positive impact on WA families and we are excited to see that support enhanced in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson said research showed Aboriginal families did not have the same level of access to books as non-Aboriginal families. “This initiative will give Aboriginal families books to read at home, opening up a whole new world of opportunities and access,” he said. Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said she pleased to hear Baby Ways would be translated into Yawuru. “This will really help local communities access literacy in a way that is familiar to them,” she said. “The Better Beginnings program has helped more than one million families in WA so it’s fantastic it’s now expanding to include books by Aboriginal authors.”