High five Public Libraries!

First5Forever is creating  positive change for Queensland children under 5 and their families.

Findings from a report conducted by Morris Hargreaves McIntyre indicate the early success of this initiative and confirm the important role libraries play in our community and how, together, we are creating a significant legacy for Queensland families.

First 5 Forever ... creating positive change for Queensland children and their families.

The report highlighted key achievements, including:

• 98% of Queensland’s population is covered by Councils participating in First5Forever


• 445,000 attendances at in-library First5Forever activities


• 339% increase in First5Forever outreach sessions with 1,138 delivered in 2015

By collaborating with the library network and partnering with cross-sector agencies to work directly with parents and caregivers, First5Forever is  bringing  about long-term, positive change to address Queensland’s under-performance in child and family literacy.

Libraries across the state have been activated through First5Forever funding, with increased resources and capability to provide more literacy programs for children, both from in-library activity and through outreach.    The increased level of outreach engagement across the state has been one of the initiative’s key achievements during its implementation period with sessions outside libraries increasing by 339%.

Through this type of outreach activity, libraries are increasingly being seen as a community hub and a welcoming and accessible space for families and 0–5s.

For more information on First5Forever check out our website http://first5forever.org.au/

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