National Simultaneous Storytime is an annual campaign that aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books.

Now in its 17^th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book.

We are celebrating National Simultaneous Storytime on Thursday during our regular Storytime session.

We would love it if you could join us when we share the book The Cow Tripped Over the Moon written by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood.

Guest speaker at lunch in the library at noon on Tuesday, June 6, will be Geoff Robertson, ACT Herpetological Association research officer. Geoff has a passion for reptiles and will talk about snakes, dragons, goannas, geckos, skinks, legless lizards and turtles in the Yass Valley and Canberra. 

He will address questions such as:

Reptiles are some of the most fascinating animals, but little is known about them. They are declining rapidly and so it is essential we learn as much as we can about them and how we can protect them and encourage their recovery.

Geoff will talk about the reptiles around us and how to identify and photograph them. While we would expect the same reptiles in both Yass and Canberra, there are many records of reptiles in Canberra and far fewer in the Yass Valley. Geoff will also explain how people with a camera can readily find out about reptiles and contribute to science. Geoff is active in many conservation organisations and has a particular interest in local reptiles.