Auslan Storytime launches at State Library Victoria

Deaf children and those who are hard-of-hearing will now be able to enjoy Storytime at State Library Victoria, with Auslan Storytime sessions launching this month thanks to a new partnership between the Library and Expression Australia.  

Targeted at 3–5-year-olds, the sessions are led by Deaf storytellers who use Australian Sign Language (Auslan) as their primary language. 

The sessions are also a great way to expose hearing children to Auslan and will be supported by a qualified Auslan interpreter to provide access to spoken English. Working together, they ensure that communication remains clear, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate. 

Held on the first and third Monday of each month during school terms, the 45-minute sessions include a visual and signed welcome, a children's storybook delivered in Auslan, and interactive Auslan activities such as basic signs, songs and movement. 

Auslan Storytime is funded by the Victorian Department of Health through the Multicultural Storytime Grant Program (2023–2027), which aims to improve access to inclusive, culturally safe early years experiences for children and families across Victoria. 

The program recognises that early language exposure, representation, and inclusion play a critical role in children’s development and family engagement with community services such as libraries. 

State Library Victoria Acting CEO, John Wicks said Auslan Storytime responds to the needs of young children and families attending the Library. 

'Storytime is one of our most popular programs for young children at the Library, and we are delighted to now be extending it to Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Stories are such a rich part of our culture and are incredibly important when it comes to language development in all its forms.' 

Expression Australia CEO Rebecca Adams said she is delighted more children will have access to Auslan. 

'Everybody can learn and enjoy Auslan – this isn't limited to the Deaf community! Auslan Storytime provides Deaf-led, visually accessible storytelling experiences that reflect Deaf culture and lived experience. It is so important for children from the Deaf community to feel welcome in mainstream settings, and we are delighted to do just that with this new program.' 

The sessions will take place in the Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter, with clear sightlines, appropriate lighting and inclusive seating.  

Auslan Storytime sessions will also take place at Bendigo Library, Doncaster Library, North Fitzroy Library and Sunbury Library throughout 2026. 

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