Kids – get ready to boogie with a maraca-shaking alpaca.

And parents and caregivers, you can shake it, too.

Several Hamilton City Libraries branches will join Wednesday’s National Simultaneous Storytime session, to read Matt Cosgrove’s children’s book Alpacas with Maracas at the same time it’s being read to children at dozens of libraries across Australasia.

National Simultaneous Storytime is an Australian libraries industry initiative aimed at encouraging young people to read and enjoy books. The initiative is into its 19th year and Hamilton City Libraries has signed up to participate following endorsement from the Library Industry Association of New Zealand.

Fiona Hancock, Service Development Manager, says four Hamilton City Libraries branches – Chartwell, Central, Dinsdale and Hillcrest – will participate this year, with a simultaneous reading of Cosgrove’s entertaining book about two alpaca who enter a talent quest.

The readings will be part of Hamilton City Libraries’ usual Storytime sessions at 11am.

Mrs Hancock says one of Hamilton City Libraries’ strategic goals is to help build literacy across the community and generate a love of books and reading.

“National Simultaneous Storytime responds to those goals in a fun, safe and friendly environment,” she says.

“Our regular Storytime sessions immediately emerged as the ideal way for us to be a part of this, and celebrate what we strive to deliver to our customers – fun and engaging activities involving books and reading.

“This event is a great fit for Hamilton City Libraries, and the choice of book is perfect: we’re hopeful the families attending will find a nice little rhythm hearing Matt’s book read aloud.”

Children participating in the National Simultaneous Storytelling session will also get a template of a colouring-in sheet themed on Alpacas with Maracas for later enjoyment.

In 2018, more than a million participated in National Simultaneous Storytime at more than 8000 locations in Australia alone.

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