Northern Beaches Council’s Library Service has been awarded the 2024 Multicultural Excellence Award by the NSW Public Library Association for the Tibetan Story Time Program.

The program, conducted entirely in Tibetan, was collaboratively designed by staff and the local Tibetan community to foster a sense of belonging and connection, promote early literacy, and celebrate and preserve Tibetan language and culture.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said she’s extremely proud the team has been recognised for this wonderful initiative. 

“The Northern Beaches is home to Australia’s largest Tibetan population with Tibetan reported in the 2021 census as one of the top five languages spoken at home in the Dee Why area.

“Building on from the launch of Australia’s first Tibetan library collection, an early literacy program was identified as an opportunity to further develop and build on relationships with the Northern Beaches Tibetan community and create a sense of belonging and connection. 

“Our library's recognition with this prestigious award highlights the incredible work being done to celebrate diversity, foster inclusion, create meaningful connections within our community and literacy for all."

Since its launch in May 2024, the fortnightly program has attracted 279 participants with an average of 23 children and parents attending each session. 

Anyone can join the award-winning Tibetan Story Time, visit our website for session times.

Launched in 2024, the NSW Library & Information Excellence Award is an annual merit prize which celebrates and recognises the library achievers from across the State highlighting the diverse and innovative work being done in this field. It is run by the NSW Public Library Association.