The State Library of NSW has launched a new after-school club to attract children to explore new worlds.
Free and called ‘Atlas’, the new creative community is to be the library’s most inventive yet.
According to State Librarian John Vallance, the curious minds of youngsters are always at home in libraries.
“Kids hate being patronised and told what to think,” Dr Vallance said.
“What better way of encouraging them than to give them a safe place where they can let loose their imaginations and learn?”
He said that being developed with the support of the Jibb Foundation, Atlas is a free junior membership program for 5 to 15-year-olds and comprises of three clubs: Art Club, Young Writers Club and Book Lovers Club.
“Atlas has been designed to get even more young people across the state and beyond drawing, writing, thinking, exploring, building, crafting and playing through fun and interactive online sessions, led by specialist Library staff, with special guest appearances by authors and illustrators,” Dr Vallance said.
“Atlas is named after the resilient figure in Greek mythology who had to support the skies, and members of the club will be sorted into ‘Moon Guilds’,” he said.
“Find out if you smile like an Ionian or are as resilient as a Callistan.”
The Librarian said each club making up Atlas would meet regularly during school term from 4 pm to 5 pm, and members could choose to participate in as many or as few sessions as they liked.
He said additional activities would be available on a dedicated website for young people to enjoy at any time.
In addition to these regular online get-togethers, a series of special member-only events are to be held online and at the Library where members will get to enjoy new experiences created just for them.
“If you’re a budding artist or historian, an enthusiastic reader or someone who loves to write stories, Atlas is for you,” said Pauline Fitzgerald, the head of the Library’s Learning team.
“As an added bonus, members can opt to have their work published on the State Library’s website,” Ms Fitzgerald said
“Atlas is open to young people anywhere in the world. Members aged 5 to 15 years from NSW will receive a free welcome pack filled with fun things to do,” she said.
“Atlas has been created within strict e-Safety protocols and all new members will require a parent or guardian to register on their behalf.”
The library’s Atlas can joined on this PS News link.
