About Us

Building a better beginning for Western Australian families

Better Beginnings has been developed by the State Library of Western Australia as a family literacy program that supports parents as their children’s first teacher. 

It works through strong partnerships with public libraries, local governments, health professionals  and  schools to:

  • build awareness in the whole community of the value of reading and sharing stories with young children from birth;
  • encourage and support parents in sharing books and activities that foster language and a love of reading with their young children; and
  • promote the vital role of public libraries as community hubs that provide ongoing support to parents and caregivers in giving their children a love of reading.

    Two babies reading Baby Ways

 

 

I always knew reading to my kids was important, but this has opened my eyes to how important and how much.
Parent
 

I tell stories in Vietnamese and read to my children in English.  I only started reading English after receiving Better Beginnings. 
Parent
 

One mother reads with her four year old every afternoon after school now.  She said without these books, they would not have any to read. 
Teacher, Remote Community School
 

I always knew reading to my kids was important, but this has opened my eyes to how important and how much.
Parent

I think it’s been a wonderful initiative.  I feel sure it’s going to benefit both the children and parents and develop links with the library.
Teacher
 

 

It’s wonderful to have support across the community emphasising the importance of reading and language development. 
Community Health Nurse
 

…I never thought of reading to the children.  Better Beginnings has really boosted my confidence.
Parent

Better Beginnings gave me confidence. I know reading is an everyday tool and teaching my children will help them be more successful in life.
Parent