Author to begin literacy expo

John Marsden, bestselling author of the much-celebrated Tomorrow When the War Began series and founder/principal of the Candlebark School, will be featuring as keynote speaker at Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation’s (CCLC) Read, Learn, Thrive: The Literacy Expo.
The Literacy Expo is free to attend and is directed at parents, carers and professionals of children aged up to seven years old who may be a reluctant reader, from a bilingual background or battling learning difficulties.
Marsden will be talking between 11am and 8.30pm on Thursday 5 June in the Pakenham Library and will be joined by Paint the Town REaD director and paediatric occupational therapist Barbie Bates and popular author/illustrator and Literacy Ambassador Jeanette Rowe.
The expo will also feature information stalls for service providers, displays, seminars, workshops, networking opportunities, handout material, certificates of attendance, plus lucky door prizes, show bags and the chance to win two iPad Minis!
CCLC Customer Services Manager Pru Menzies said: “We are experiencing an increasing demand from parents as to where to seek help when children have some learning difficulties or special needs, or they may be reluctant readers or from a dual language background.
“We are bringing together a number of service providers in an expo-style format.
“Through a range of displays, workshops and guest speakers, our literacy expo will provide a one-stop-shop for parents, carers and professionals who want to help children read, learn and thrive in a world of words.”
The keynote speakers will open and close the expo with specialists delivering short-burst talks throughout the day. Rocky the Reading Dog will also be a highlight.
To receive full program details, register at www.tinyurl.com/cclcevents.