Where is the Green Sheep?

A recent international study indicated that 82% of parents wished their children would read more books for fun and with this in mind Sunshine Coast Council is launching a Kids Only Library Card campaign to increase memberships for young children across the Coast.

Library and Gallery Services Manager Ross Duncan said council are hoping to repeat the success of the 2010 campaign which attracted 3,000 new young members to explore their local library.

"Council invites local primary schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and playgroups to participate in the 2012 Kids Only Library Card campaign," he said.

"Our vision is to see a library card in the hands of all children on the coast aged between 2 and 6 year of age.

"It is essential we give every student the best chance to master reading so they can meet the challenges of 21st century life.

"We will be writing to parents through their primary schools inviting them to enrol their children as members of council’s libraries.

"This campaign is a great indicator of council’s commitment to work closely with local schools to maximise the educational outcomes for children on the coast.

"We will also continue to run programs such as storytelling and many other activities which encourages children to make reading a habit.

"Council continues to make a significant investment in the future of our families and our region through the operation of its nine libraries and three mobile libraries.

Mr Duncan said an exciting element of the campaign, and an Australian first, has seen council secure the rights to use images from the much loved Mem Fox book ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’ on the front of the new Kids Only Library Card.

"The new personalised colourful library card will be highly recognisable and one children will treasure.

"Children will also receive a business card sized ‘loyalty card’ to encourage them to revisit their local library .

"Each time a child visits their library they will receive a stamp on their loyalty card and when they have three stars they can enter to win one of 13 sets of ‘Where is the Green Sheep?' book and stuffed toy kits."