NSW State Library Launches Free After-School Club For Curious Kids

Atlas, the NSW State Library’s most inventive creative community, was launched on Tuesday, July 11 to give curious children new worlds to discover and explore.

State Librarian, Dr John Vallance said curious minds were 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.”

Atlas is a free junior membership program for 5 to 15-year-olds comprising three clubs - Art Club, Young Writers Club and Book Lovers Club.

It was developed with the support of the Jibb Foundation, and designed to get more young people across the state exploring, thinking, writing, drawing, crafting, building and playing using fun, interactive online sessions.

Sessions will be led by specialist library staff with special guest appearances from authors and illustrators.

Each club meets regularly during the school term from 4 pm to 5 pm. Children can participate in all of the sessions or a few.

There is also a dedicated website with more activities for youngsters to enjoy at any time, plus a series of member-only events held online at the library.

Head of the Library’s Learning Team, Pauline Fitzgerald said Atlas was for any child who was a budding artist or historian, an enthusiastic reader or someone who loved to write stories.

Strict e-Safety protocols are built into Atlas and every new member will need a parent or guardian to register on their behalf at atlas.sl.nsw.gov.au.

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