Held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) sees children across the country gather at 12pm to hear the same Australian picture book read aloud in schools, libraries, childcare centres and community spaces. This year’s event took place on Wednesday, 27 May. 

At Northern Health, the celebration unfolded in Ward 2, where Chief Executive Adjunct. Professor Deb Bourne sat down with patient Ariah Prasad for a shared reading experience, highlighting the simple yet powerful role storytelling can play in healthcare settings. 

The chosen book for 2026, Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller by Adam Jackson, follows the journey of Luna Roo as she navigates challenges both on and off the football field. Through themes of courage, teamwork, resilience and self-belief, the story resonated with young listeners and staff alike. 

The Northern Health Library has made NSS a regular fixture on its calendar, using the event to promote literacy and foster wellbeing among patients and families. By bringing storytelling into the clinical environment, the library team aims to create moments of joy, comfort and connection during what can often be a stressful time. 

Tania Barry, Director of Library and Information Literacy Services, said the initiative continues to demonstrate the enduring impact of shared stories.  “National Simultaneous Storytime is a wonderful reminder of the power of stories to educate and connect people. It was lovely to watch Ariah and Deb connect and see firsthand the joy that reading can bring.” 

For Adj.Prof. Deb Bourne, taking part offered a valuable pause from the demands of leadership. “It was so nice to step away from the office and spend some quality time reading to one of our beautiful young patients in Ward 2,” she said. “It reminded me of the value of storytelling, the way it connects people, and the importance of being present in the moment.” 

Events like NSS form part of a broader effort by the Northern Health Library to support learning, connection and community across the health service. Beyond promoting reading skills, such initiatives also contribute to emotional wellbeing by providing comfort, distraction and a sense of normalcy for young patients. 

Looking ahead, the Northern Health Library team is preparing for Library and Information Week, from 27 July to 2 August, another key event celebrating the role of library and information professionals across Australia. 

The week highlights how libraries help communities navigate complex information landscapes, including recognising and responding to misinformation and disinformation. It also showcases the evolving tools and approaches used by library staff, and explores the relationship between truth, knowledge and access to reliable information. 

At Northern Health, these initiatives reinforce Northern Health Library’s commitment to improving not only access to information, but also patient experience—one story at a time 

Picture shows Chief Executive Deb Bourne, reading to Ariah with Nurse Unit Manager Alecia Caddy looking on.