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First 5 Forever

First 5 Forever is a place-based family centred program delivered by public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs). It supports families by providing safe, child-focused spaces with free, playful environments, experiences and resources to empower Queensland families on their child’s journey through the first 5 years. This initiative of the Queensland Government is coordinated by State Library of Queensland.

How is it delivered?

First 5 Forever began as a four-year $20m initiative delivered through public libraries and IKCs in partnership with local government. In 2018 the Queensland Government announced ongoing annual funding of $5m to support the delivery of First 5 Forever and continue the valued role that libraries and IKCs play in supporting families.

First 5 Forever funding is distributed to local councils to enable flexible local implementation of the program within the parameters of the First 5 Forever Service Level Agreement (SLA) in consultation with State Library of Queensland.

Why libraries?

Public libraries are ideally placed to work with their communities to bring about long-term positive change. With over 325 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across Queensland, First 5 Forever empowers families – through brain building resources, spaces and opportunities – to help Queensland children thrive no matter where they live.

Mother and child playing in a library.

What provides children with the best start in life?

  • Nurturing and secure relationships
  • Experiences and environments that support health and well being
  • Opportunities for play and discovery
  • Participating in positive and inclusive communities
  • A sense of belonging through identity and culture
  • Having material basics and access to services and support

First 5 Forever is about connection. Public libraries connect families with each other, information and resources and their community by providing the space and support for meaningful interactions.

Children playing in a library.

First 5 Forever 2023-24 facts at a glance

  • Over 2 million Queenslanders are a member of their local public library
  • Over 4.6 million attendances at First 5 Forever programs in libraries recorded to date
  • All Queensland councils with library services are participating in First 5 Forever
  • 3,888 outreach events
  • 174,886 page views on the First 5 Forever webpages
  • 19,194 Facebook followers reaching 5,212,210 users 
  • 3,714 partner organisations and agencies engaged with libraries to deliver First 5 Forever, an increase of 49% from the previous year.

Reports and Evaluations

 

First 5 Forever is delivered across Queensland. You can download all reports and evaluations below.

2020 - 2021 First 5 Forever evaluation report

PDF · 29 MB

2019 - 2020 First 5 Forever evaluation report

PDF · 4 MB

2018 - 2019 First 5 Forever evaluation report

PDF · 2 MB

2015 - 2018 First 5 Forever evaluation report

PDF · 530 KB

2018 First 5 Forever evaluation report

PDF · 499 KB

2017 First 5 Forever evaluation report

PDF · 3 MB

2016 First 5 Forever evaluation report

PDF · 9 MB

2015 First 5 Forever evaluation report

PDF · 2 MB

Evaluating the Impact of the First 5 Forever Initiative

PDF · 3 MB

Stay up to date with First 5 Forever 

Ask staff at your local public library about First 5 Forever events and activities in your local area, and check out What's On for activities hosted onsite at State Library. Like us on facebook for the latest from First 5 Forever.

Mother and child reading together.
First 5 Forever
Visit the First 5 Forever website for important information and tips.
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Child reaching for a book.
For Libraries
More information for public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres about the First 5 Forever program.
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