Community readers wanted

Umina Beachside Family Centre's reading group are putting calls out for community members who would like to read to children five years and under as part of its new Community Reader Program.

The Start Reading Project Group is looking for volunteers to dedicate just 10 minutes as a reading role model for young children on the Peninsula.

"Business people, currently working or retired, and community workers on the Peninsula are asked to donate time to go to local Peninsula preschools and playgroups once a month or a few times a year," facilitator Ms Debbie Notara said.

"They can come dressed in their work attire and maybe bring a tool of their trade.

"They will then read a story to the children that may relate to their work or it might be their own favourite story they bring along.

"The community reader would choose days and times that suit them, be registered on a data base and would then be contacted by a preschool or playgroup to organise a visit for them to read to the children.

"You don't have to be an expert reader to be a part of this project.

"The idea is to demonstrate to very young children that adults in the community value reading."

Anyone interested can contact Debbie Notara at Beachside Family Centre on 4343 1929.

Press release, 31 Mar 2010 Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre