Creating more inclusive libraries

The Libraries as Community Connectors project provides libraries staff across Australia with training and resources to enhance the visiting experience for young children with disability and their families.

The Libraries as Community Connectors free online training course contains resources to make your library more inclusive. The resources are also suitable for early childhood intervention practitioners, allied health professionals, council policymakers, and families and carers.

Libraries as Community Connectors is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services


Inclusion: Have your say

Children learn about the world, have fun and thrive when they go out into the community. Although society is becoming more inclusive, barriers can remain for families of children with disability and delay to enjoy a day out.  

Government and organisations want to hear your experiences and feedback to inform their policymaking and quality of services.  

By taking the surveys, you will be providing valuable information that contributes to a more inclusive future. 


Resources

Stories of change
Children’s librarian Elizabeth Khater discusses how the online course and support helped transform programs for families at City of Canada Bay libraries.

Exploring the Library
Ellen, Physiotherapist, talks about supporting and including families of children with disability or developmental delay at the library—and the kids tell us what they like!

Resources for running inclusive storytimes at libraries
Julie, Jodie and Maryam, Speech Pathologists, talk about ways to make Storytime more inclusive at libraries.
Alternative communication methods for inclusive library storytimes
Liora, Speech Pathologist, talks about using different communication methods to enhance the Storytime experience for children with disability or delay.
Let’s tell a story online! | Inclusive storytelling
Join Amanda and Daniel for a 35-minute online storytelling session facilitated by Plumtree Children’s Services and the Libraries as Community Connectors project.

Newsletters

Newsletter #11 – August 2023
Newsletter #10 – December 2022
Newsletter #9 – September 2022
Newsletter #8 – June 2022
Newsletter #7 – April 2022
Newsletter #6 – February 2022
Newsletter #5 – October 2021
Newsletter #4 – August 2021
Newsletter #3 – May 2021
Newsletter #2 – February 2021
Newsletter #1 – November 2020

Our book

Every public library in Australia received a copy of Our Library,
our children’s book, in collaboration with acclaimed author Donna Rawlins.
The book promotes inclusion in libraries in mainstream Australian children’s literature.

The team

Hannah

Project Manager

Marie

Team Leader;
Parent Peer Worker

Kylie

Kylie

Parent Peer Worker

Amos

Content and marketing creator

Get in touch for more information

Explore some programs and services