Books in Homes Australia was delighted to return as the charity partner for the sixth time at the recent Words on the Waves (WOW) Writers’ Festival on the NSW Central Coast.

This year, the Family Fun Day was held at the Gosford Regional Library, providing a vibrant and welcoming space for families to come together and celebrate books, storytelling, creativity, and imagination.

Fun was certainly the word of the day.

Events such as these remind us that reading begins not only with books, but with curiosity, creativity, storytelling, and shared experiences. Throughout the event, families enjoyed a wonderful program of activities and performances. One particularly memorable session featured beautiful live music from a cellist and guitarist accompanying a story and artwork presentation on the big screen. Children were also thoroughly entertained by two talented children’s book illustrators who took to the stage for live drawing sessions, bringing all manner of animals to life from suggestions called out by the audience. In between there was singing, dancing, joking, lots of laughter, and quieter craft moments from other activities.

Books in Homes added to the excitement with three prize draws held throughout the day, giving children the opportunity to win one of three book packs containing ten books each. The draws attracted plenty of enthusiastic participants and resulted in three very happy winners taking home ten new books each to add to their home libraries.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Fiona Lloyd, Children & Young People’s Program Manager, who is also one of our valued Books in Homes Role Models; Ashley Jeffery, Volunteer Coordinator; and the many other volunteers whose warmth, enthusiasm, and support helped make the day such a success.

Thank you also to the Words on the Waves team for their ongoing support of Books in Homes and for continuing to champion literacy, storytelling, and community connection. We look forward to returning again next year.

PHOTO: Fiona Lloyd, WOW’s Children & Young People’s Program Manager, and Ashley Jeffery, WOW’s Volunteer Coordinator.