Young readers at Helensvale Library were treated to a surprise visit today with sporting legend Ash Barty dropping by for a special Toddler Time reading session.
The tennis champion was visiting as ambassador for the Queensland Government's First 5 Forever program. Coordinated by State Library of Queensland, First 5 Forever is hosted across all Gold Coast libraries and includes Baby Rhyme Time, Toddler Time and Story Time.
"It's an honour to have Ash Barty visit our new-look Helensvale Library today to support the many free children's programs we host on the Gold Coast," said Mayor Tom Tate.
"First 5 Forever is delivered in partnership with the State Library of Queensland and our library staff do a fantastic job at delivering activities to hundreds of kids every week.
"Having just undergone a significant refurbishment and recently reopening to the public after eight months, Helensvale Library is the perfect venue for kids to learn and interact in a fun environment."
Barty's role as ambassador is to help promote the importance of learning in the early years to build strong early literacy and learning foundations.
"I'm proud to be championing First 5 Forever and sharing how talking, reading, singing and playing with children helps them to thrive," she said.
State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM said, "The early years matter, which is why it is wonderful to have Ash Barty on the Gold Coast promoting First 5 Forever as ambassador for this important statewide initiative.
"Through First 5 Forever and our valued partnership with Queensland's public library network, we are supporting parents and caregivers to give children the very best start in life.
"First 5 Forever encourages families to build healthy brains and bodies through talking, reading, singing and play, helping children develop the skills they need for school readiness and lifelong learning."
Launched in 2015, First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library and delivered in partnership with local government, through more than 325 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across Queensland.
Helensvale Library's recent refurbishments included major structural works, improved air conditioning to create a more comfortable environment, refreshed carpets and furniture, fresh paint and artwork to create a more lively children's space. It also includes an improved collection layout to help customers to browse and find their next great read.
The children's area is now more open, colourful, safe and accessible, with sound absorbing panels and there are more flexible spaces to host events and community activities.
The Library is also featuring more arts enriched experiences, with new Artist Corners where everyone is welcome to be creative and Artist in Residence spaces where local artists create, exhibit and invite the public to be part of their development process.
The library and cultural centre opened in 2013 and attracts approximately 15,200 visits each month. It was closed for 8 months for the renovations before reopening in early May this year.
The City invested $4.8 million into the renovations which included the entire building incorporating the library, community centre and auditorium.
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