WITH THE chilly weather outside, the library was an excellent place to gather during the first week of the school holidays.
More than one hundred children visited all the Whitsunday branches to attend a variety of workshops, where children could enjoy activities such as a storytelling, illustrating, creating stories and even a pyjama party.
Parents, carers, grandparents, and children of all ages shared laughter, music, creativity and even some dancing, as they participated in workshops across the region.
The communities of Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville enjoyed a fun performance by children’s book author Chris Collin, aka ‘The funky chicken man’.
“I’ve just finished a wonderful two days, performing shows for the library communities of Proserpine and Bowen and a fabulous session with the Collinsville community,” Mr Collin said.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the service the Whitsunday Council, through the libraries, provides for their community. The library staff were absolutely fantastic, and the local community, in turn, supported their local library by bringing their little ones along for what were three magical sessions.”
Local author Pagan Malcolm, who was born and raised in Proserpine, shared her magical approach to writing the essential elements needed for a story with children from Proserpine and Bowen.
“I’ve been telling stories since before I could pick up a pen and write, and have been writing my entire life,” Ms Malcolm said.
“The MAGIC of my approach is that we get that rough, first draft down quickly by only focusing on a couple of key elements first, and then we go back and enhance later.
“This approach not only makes the entire writing process so much easier, but it helps writers reconnect again with what makes writing fun.
“Feedback from the community regarding the activities so far has been great,” Whitsunday regional libraries Rosalyn Hearn said.
Bookings are essential for workshops in the second week of school holiday. More information can be found at whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au.
