Creating more inclusive libraries
The Libraries as Community Connectors project provides libraries staff across Australia with training and resources to enhance the visiting experience for young children with disability and their families.
Libraries as Community Connectors is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services
Emma Memma reads “Our Library” (Auslan)
Join Emma Memma and Auslan interpreter Sue Jo Wright for a storytime about fun at the library and the love of books by acclaimed author Donna Rawlins.
Libraries as Community Connectors
free eLearning
Our online course contains strategies, videos and other resources that make libraries and their programs more welcoming for families of young children with disability or delay.
The resources are also suitable for early childhood intervention practitioners, allied health professionals, council policymakers, and families and carers.
Family survey on inclusion
Getting out and about in the community helps children learn, have fun and thrive. But for families of children with disability or developmental delay, there can still be barriers to enjoying everyday outings—even as society becomes more inclusive.
Your experiences matter. Government and organisations want to hear from families like yours to better understand what’s working and what could be improved.
By taking part in this survey, you’ll be helping to shape more inclusive communities and better services for all families.
Resources
Stories of change
Children’s librarian Elizabeth Khater discusses how the online course and support helped transform programs for families at City of Canada Bay libraries.
Exploring the Library
Ellen, Physiotherapist, talks about supporting and including families of children with disability or developmental delay at the library—and the kids tell us what they like!
Liora, Speech Pathologist, talks about using different communication methods to enhance the Storytime experience for children with disability or delay.
Our book: Our Library by Donna Rawlins
Every public library in Australia received a copy of Our Library,
our children’s book, in collaboration with acclaimed author Donna Rawlins.
The book promotes inclusion in libraries in mainstream Australian children’s literature.
Media release
22 Apri 2021
New program aims to boost library experiences for children with a disability
A new two-year pilot in NSW is helping libraries become more inclusive for families of children with disability. Led by Plumtree and funded by DSS, the project invites libraries statewide to participate.
Explore our blog stories
Libraries inclusion project expands across NSW, online training program launched
Plumtree collaborates with libraries to promote inclusion
The Libraries as Community Connectors projecy received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
Get in touch
Have a question or want to learn more?
We’d love to hear from you.
