First 5 Forever is an early literacy program delivered in Queensland libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres to support, nurture and grow literacy development in children 0-5 years of age.
Little brains develop the most in the first five years. It’s never too early to start reading to your baby or child. Talking, reading, singing and playing with your child are some of the best things you can do to give them a head start in school and life.
Cairns Libraries’ programs support language, literacy and learning. Come along and find out how we can support you and your child in their literacy journey.
Children’s programs
Join a free First 5 Forever session at your local library and get ideas to try at home, meet other parents and carers, and access fun activities for your child. You can also borrow books to share when you get home.
Ages 0-2
Ideal for children from 0 to 2 years. It’s never too early to talk, read, sing and play with your child.
Age 0 – 5
Ideal for children from 0 to 5 years. The brain grows at its fastest in a child's first five years.
Age 2 -5
Ideal for toddlers aged 2 to 5 years. Make talking, reading, singing and playing with your child a daily routine, it helps little brains grow and it's fun.
Age 3- 5
Ideal for children from 3 to 5 years. Playing with your child every day can be fun, and helps develop their listening, memory, and word skills.
Please note: Parents/guardians must remain with children for duration of all activities.
Out and About
If you like singing, dancing, and reading outside the library space, you will love our Out and About events.
Our First 5 Forever team carefully pack our favourite books, stories, and songs, ready for you to enjoy at these special sessions.
With plenty of space for curious minds, energetic bubs, and wriggly readers, our Out and About events have something for everyone.
Outdoor sessions are dependent on weather and can be cancelled.
Art Tales Storytime
Monthly / 10am
Wednesday City Library
Baby Rhyme Time Weekly / 10am
Monday and Tuesday Earlville Library
Wednesday Manunda Library
Thursday City, Stratford, and Smithfield Library
Friday Smithfield Library
Books and Blocks
Fortnightly / 10am
Wednesday Edmonton Library
Bulkaway Muruku Yarning Through Song Monthly / 10am
Monday Various locations
Chatter Play Fortnightly / 9.30am
Wednesday Babinda Library
Little Movers Active Play Fortnightly / 3:30pm
Wednesday Stratford Library
Music & Movement Storytime
Tuesday (Monthly) Smithfield Library 10am
Tuesday (Fortnightly) Earlville Library 3.30pm
Sing a Song Weekly / 10am
Friday Manunda Library
STEAM Storytime
Monthly / 10am
Tuesday Stratford Library
Storytime
Weekly / 10am
Monday Manunda Library
Tuesday Stratford and Smithfield Library
Wednesday City Library
Thursday Earlville Library
Story and Play
Weekly / 10am
Friday Gordonvale Library
Sunday Sing a Song
Monthly / 10am
Sunday City Library
Talk, Read, Sing and Play Weekly / 9:30am
Sunday City Library
Out and About
Monthly / 10am
Our team thoughtfully pack our favourite books, stories and songs, and head out into the community to enjoy our time talking, reading, singing and playing together. Visit our website to see where we are popping up next.
Weather Permitting
At the time of printing, the details in this program are correct. Sessions may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Programs do not run over School Holiday periods. Visit cairns.qld.gov.au/library for the most up-to-date information.
