Northern Grampians Libraries' Stawell and St Arnaud branches are set to be a hive of activity as they host two popular annual events.
The libraries have been long-time supporters of both Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and National Simultaneous Storytime.
Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop encouraged the community to attend one or both events, which have become popular dates on the library calendar.
St Arnaud branch will host its Biggest Morning Tea on Wednesday, May 20 at 2pm, while the Stawell event is on Thursday, May 21 at 10.30am.
Entry to both events is by gold coin donation, with money raised going to Cancer Council Australia.
"The money raised helps to fund life-saving support for the almost one in two Australians impacted by cancer," Cr Hyslop said.
"Our libraries have raised more than $6000 for the Cancer Council over the years, which is a wonderful effort.
"It's a fantastic cause and one close to many people's hearts. Stawell Library will be hosting a Biggest Morning Tea for the 28th year and has local regulars, such as Max and Val Kennedy, who have attended every year without fail.
"We encourage you to head along and join our team in Stawell or St Arnaud for a cuppa and a chat."
Following the fundraisers, the library team will turn its attention to National Simultaneous Storytime.
Organised by the Australian Library and Information Association, ALIA, National Simultaneous Storytime promotes reading, literacy and storytelling among children.
On Wednesday, May 27 at 12pm AEST, children, parents, teachers and library enthusiasts will join together to read the same book at the same time, creating a shared reading experience across schools, libraries, pre-schools, childcare centres, bookshops and homes.
Stawell branch will host its event simultaneously, while St Arnaud branch will read the selected book on Thursday, May 28 at 10.30am, due to the branch's opening hours.
"This year's book is Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller and it looks like a really fun read," Cr Hyslop said.
Written by Adam Jackson and Adrian Lloyd and illustrated by Jake Minton, the story follows Luna Roo, a spirited kangaroo, as she and her friends pursue their football dreams across the outback.
"National Simultaneous Storytime encourages children to explore a range of themes including resilience, teamwork, courage and emotional growth," Cr Hyslop said.
"It is a great event to be part of."
Cr Hyslop encouraged families to attend regular story time sessions at Stawell and St Arnaud libraries on Thursdays at 10.30am, with an additional story time session in Stawell on Fridays at 10.30am.
"The benefits of reading from a young age are well documented and our library staff can help foster that love of reading through story time," she said.
