Babies & toddlers

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Better Beginnings (newborns)

Every baby born in the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River receives a FREE BOOK as part of Better Beginnings, a family literacy initiative launched at Augusta Margaret River Libraries in 2006. Shire Libraries, working with the State Library of Western Australia, have established the Better Beginnings program to encourage parents to share books and stories with their babies. The libraries work in partnership with the Community Health Nurses to distribute free books, activity kits and their very own library bag. The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has contributed funds to purchase gift books. The libraries’ role in this program highlights the Shire’s commitment to encouraging children to enjoy sharing stories while simultaneously improving their listening and language skills.

In 2013, Better Beginnings was extended and now every child in the Shire will receive a green bag as they enter Kindergarten. The Better Beginnings green bags contain a free book, activity sheet and game in addition to another library bag. All schools in the Shire are now participating in Better Beginnings and classes are visited by a librarian during the year to be presented with packs.

Better Beginnings is sponsored by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, State Library of Western Australia and Rio Tinto’s Future Fund.

Baby Rhyme Time (ages 0 – 2 years)

Join us for an hour of rhymes, music and afternoon tea - and an opportunity to meet other parents and babies. Tips on reading to your baby and other parenting information are also available.

Baby Rhyme Time at Margaret River Library: At present all programs are temporarily cancelled until further notice due to Stage 4 COVID Restrictions. Visit our blog amrlibraries.com to get the latest updates for library services.

Storytime (ages 2 – 5 years)

Visit our Shire libraries to enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and craft. All are welcome to participate, however the program is aimed at 2 – 5 year olds. There is no need to book a place. Storytime encourages children to discover a love of books, stories and reading and rhymes and promotes family literacy skills.

Storytime at Margaret River Library: Every Tuesday 10.15am for a 10.30am start (except school holidays).

Toddler Tales at Augusta Library (ages 18 months – 3 years)

A special Storytime session is held at Augusta library on the second Thursday of the month at 10.30 am. Toddler Tales is aimed at children 1.5 to 3 years old and participants can enjoy a short story, rhymes, songs, music and a craft that can either be taken away or completed in the library. Morning tea is provided for parents, who can also borrow a Better Beginnings Read Aloud Book Pack that contains copies of the books read at Toddler Tales sessions.

Bookings are required for Toddler Tales due to limited space. Please call 9780 5602 to express your interest.