PANEL
Panel Title:
Now and for their futures: Outcomes from a national alliance for libraries and the early years
Presenters:
Louise Denoon, Rebecca Bell, Christine Peters, Stella Read, Dr Melissa Whitrow
Date:
Wednesday 13 May 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Presentation Description:
In Australia and across the globe there is a renewed focus on early childhood and what is required for children and families to thrive. Because if children thrive our communities and society is more inclusive, productive and optimistic. Public libraries are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in supporting families and child development to contribute to this preferred future.
In May 2025, a powerful group of library leaders and sector collaborators came together to explore the potential to amplify our impact on the early years story. From this forum came a Statement of Commitment which has been further developed into a Working Together Agreement. This panel will provide an opportunity to share and celebrate this progress, reflect on the journey that brought us to this point, and make plans for future national impact.
The forum drew from deep and thoughtful work across the country, including 2 decades of Better Beginnings in Western Australia, 10 years of First 5 Forever delivery in Queensland, the Words Grow Minds initiative in South Australia, and our proud history of dedicated children’s programs, collections and services.
Through a conversation, the panel will explore the big and small outcomes of the Alliance using the themes of:
- Radical sharing: leveraging this enduring commitment of libraries to share, iterate, enhance and apply to our work practices in the early years across the library sector and with external stakeholders and collaborators.
- Leveraging the evidence: exploring how emerging knowledge and expertise from inside and outside of the library sector can help us to deliver evidence-informed practice, well-equipped library staff and local communities, and demonstrate library outcomes and impact.
- One voice: harnessing our collective impact to advocate for sustained recognition of, collaboration with, and investment in, libraries.
Currently the Australian government has a strong policy and funding commitment to the early years; the panel will explore how to seize the moment and play our part
Louise Denoon
Executive Director Community Partnerships State Library of Queensland
Presenter Bio
Louise leads the partnership between State Library and local government for the delivery of library services across Queensland. This partnership includes First 5 Forever, now in its 10th year, that leverages the library network to empower families through brain building resources, environments and experiences.
Rebecca Bell
Manager Reading Writing and Learning, State Library of Western Australia
Presenter Bio
Rebecca, a teacher by trade, transferred her education and learning skills to the public sector where she’s been able to combine her passion for arts and culture, and early years development to libraries, spaces she believes uniquely inspire and deliver learning outside of the formal education space. Leading the State Library of Western Australia’s Better Beginnings program, now in its 21st year, she continues to advocate for libraries and their focus on providing space, experiences and resources to help people of all ages develop and grow.
Christine Peters
Project Officer Public Libraries Victoria
Presenter Bio
Christine is the Project Officer at Public Libraries Victoria. She began her career in public libraries as a passionate Children’s Librarian working across both metropolitan and regional communities. With a strong commitment to early literacy and community engagement, she led vibrant story times and early years programs that supported families and fostered a love of reading from a young age. Her leadership as a Team Leader helped shape inclusive, welcoming library spaces where children could thrive. Christine’s early work laid the foundation for her ongoing advocacy for literacy and access in public libraries across Victoria.
Stella Read
Manager Children and Families State Library of Queensland
Presenter Bio
Stella Read is Manager, Children and Families at State Library of Queensland. Stella is committed to Queensland children and families, and to supporting public libraries in their vital role promoting children’s wellbeing and championing childhood. Stella and her team develop and deliver programs that provide opportunities for children, young people, families, carers and educators to explore, imagine and play at State Library. The team provides backbone support for First 5 Forever program delivery in public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across Queensland.
Dr Melissa Whitrow
Manager Library Services, The Barossa Council, South Australia
Presenter Bio
Melissa combines research expertise in life course epidemiology with practical library insight from her role at The Barossa Council. She is dedicated to advancing the impact and recognition of public libraries support of children and families through her roles with public Libraries SA Executive and the Libraries and the Early Years National Alliance.