Following the success of the Story Walks at Cairns Hospital, Cairns Libraries has partnered with Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service's Community Health team to bring this engaging literary initiative to three key community health centres: Cairns North, Smithfield, and Edmonton.
A Story Walk is an immersive experience that places pages from a children's book along a pathway, allowing readers to move through the story as they walk.
The initiative, which promotes literacy, engagement, and physical activity, has been warmly received in the children's ward at Cairns Hospital, and now extends its benefits to families visiting community health centres.
Mayor Amy Eden said expanding the Story Walks project was an exciting step in ensuring families across Cairns had greater access to literacy resources in everyday spaces.
"We know that early literacy plays a crucial role in a child's development, and we're thrilled to bring this experience to more locations across the city," Cr Eden said.
"Through collaboration with Community Health, we are not only promoting reading but also encouraging movement and interaction in spaces where families may need a welcome distraction."
In addition to the Story Walks, each centre will feature a 'Little Library' – a collection of pre-loved books that families can borrow, read while they wait, or take home.
Community Health child health clinical nurse Juanita Du Vergier said the initiative would be a great addition to the centres.
"Our health centres support families in many ways and providing engaging literacy resources helps to create a welcoming and educational environment for children," they said.
Each Story Walk features QR codes linking to additional Cairns Libraries resources, providing families with even more opportunities to explore books and early learning programs.
Cairns North Community Health Centre is located at 381 Sheridan St, Smithfield Community Health Centre is at 16 Danbulan St, and Edmonton Community Health Centre is at 10-12 Robert Rd, Bentley Park.
