Storytime is back with special guest readers from the Cairns Taipans kicking off this year's program.
The Cairns Libraries' First 5 Forever team will be joined by members of the Taipans at the Fun Ship, on the Cairns Esplanade from 10am-10:30am on Wednesday 29 July.
The first in this year's program, Storytime in The Park will provide free readings aimed at engaging the little ones by talking, singing, playing and reading.
These interactive sessions will also include stories and nursery rhymes and are targeted at children aged five years and under.
Mayor Bob Manning said that as Cairns' only national sporting team, the Taipans could play a leading role in fostering a love of reading.
"We know that encouraging children to read from an early age can have great benefits for a child's schooling," he said.
"Storytime is a great way for children to discover the world of books and what better way to get them hooked than to have some of our city's sporting stars get involved.
"Having these sessions in the open air will provide something different and I am sure they will be hugely popular."
Newly-signed Taipans guard Mirko Djeric said he was looking forward to getting out in the community following the COVID-19 impacts on the city.
"We are really lucky to be living in Cairns, where restrictions have eased, life is getting back to normal and we've got great facilities like the library reopening for us all to enjoy," he said.
"The team is finally back on court preparing for the NBL season and part of that preparation is definitely getting back in the community and interacting with our fans, of all ages."
The First 5 Forever program is an initiative of the Queensland Government, which is coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with Cairns Regional Council.
