State Library Victoria has free online programs for kids

As Victorian families face another school holiday in lockdown, State Library Victoria has launched free online programs for kids. The free online programs are designed to inspire creativity, imagination and interactive play, bringing fun to lounge rooms and connecting families across the state.

Activities include craft workshops, online puzzles, games, story talks and more.

Story Talks with Mat Larkin

Mat Larkin, author of The Orchard Underground, joins Story Talks for a lively series of bite-sized videos in which he introduces kids to his wild and weird characters, teaches them how to generate creative ideas and prompts them to explore that all-important question: what do penguins want? This program is supported by Gandel Philanthropy.

Date: Thursday 10 September 2020
Time: 11 am
Suitable for ages 8–12
No bookings required

The Science of Magic

Magician extraordinaire and author Nicholas J Johnson shares the science behind magic in a four-part video series on the art of deception. Nicholas demonstrates magic tricks like rope folding and card disappearing, with an accompanying activity to engage children in both the magic trick and the science behind it. This program was made possible with the help of the Lewin Family Fund.

Date: available now
Suitable for ages 9–12
No bookings required

Storytime

Share in the delight of stories, songs, play and craft activities with Storytime, an engaging storytelling experience for little ones. The Library has partnered with Victoria Together for a special live-streamed series of Storytime, guided by one of our lovely librarians and a local guest author.

Date: live every Wednesday
Time: 9.30 am
Suitable for ages 3–5
No bookings required

Baby Bounce

Designed to foster a love of reading and books from an early age, Baby Bounce is a fun, interactive session of stories, songs and rhymes. The live-streamed series runs every week and is supported by Gandel Philanthropy.

Date: live every Thursday and Saturday
Time: 9.30 am
Suitable for ages 0–18 months
No bookings required

Story Talks with Sally Rippin

In this three-part series Sally Rippin, author of Billie B Brown and Polly and Buster, answers questions about her amazing books, loveable characters and where her ideas spring from. Children are invited to have a peek into Sally’s world and jumpstart their imaginations with fun challenges set at the end of each video. This program is supported by Gandel Philanthropy.

Date: available now
Suitable for ages 6–10
No bookings required

Story Talks with Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys

In this fun-filled four-part video series, the author-illustrator duo behind All the ways to be smart and The underwater fancy-dress parade Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys share where they get their ideas from, and how they turn them into books. Each video concludes with an activity to nurture literacy and imagination in young people. This program is supported by Gandel Philanthropy.

Date: available now
Suitable for ages 6–10
No bookings required

Story Talks with Nat Amoore

Author of The power of positive pranking and Secrets of a schoolyard millionaire, Nat Amoore, gets tested on her spontaneous storytelling powers in this four-part video series with engaging activities get the creative juices flowing. Nat also shares her story about making the career leap from acrobat to author and what positive pranking means. This program is supported by Gandel Philanthropy.

Date: available now
Suitable for ages 7–12
No bookings required

Storytime Activity Sheets

Make storytime fun and interactive experience with the Library’s Storytime activity sheets. There will be 21 engaging arts and crafts ideas to explore, each one inspired by a different children’s book. From creating bushland collages to drawing aliens and everything in between, there will be an activity and book recommendation for all kinds of curious and creative minds.

Date: launches 14 September 2020
Time: 9 am
Suitable for ages 3–5
Download the sheets anytime from the launch date via the Library Website
More information

Online Jigsaw

With the opportunity to select your own level of difficulty by changing the number of pieces, the Library’s online jigsaw puzzles can be enjoyed by the whole family. Choose from five image variations that showcase the Library’s stunning spaces and collection.

Date: launches 14 September 2020
Time: 9 am
Suitable for ages 5–12
Enjoy the jigsaw anytime from the launch date via the Library Website
More information

Build a Dreamscape with Tai Snaith

Acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Tai Snaith will encourage kids and parents alike to delve deep into their imaginations and create the place of their dreams in this interactive workshop. Referencing classic books like Dr Seuss’s Sleep Book and The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and oddities found in nature and natural history books, Tai will guide viewers through an easy four-part process to create their very own fictional dreamscape with watercolours, paper and glue.

Date: launches 21 September 2020
Time: 9 am
Suitable for ages 9–12
More information