Free information sessions for caregivers supporting early language and literacy at Auburn and Merrylands libraries.
Tuesday 25 August 2026
to Friday 28 August 2026
11:30am
Newman St &, Miller St, Merrylands NSW 2160, Australia
Free
Certified speech pathologists will share practical tips and friendly advice in these short, accessible sessions for caregivers. Designed for parents of preschool and early school-aged children, the talks focus on early language development, emergent literacy and everyday strategies you can use at home to support communication and reading readiness.
You can expect an informal, welcoming session held after toddler time and preschool storytime, where a speech pathologist will explain how speech and language skills grow and what to look out for. The session is conversational and designed for busy parents seeking clear, practical guidance on language milestones and literacy-building activities.
Sessions will cover early language milestones, simple play-based activities to boost vocabulary, and tips for encouraging reading and communication at home. There will be time for questions so caregivers can raise specific concerns about their child’s speech and literacy development.
These sessions are ideal for parents, grandparents and carers who want supportive, evidence-based strategies from certified professionals to help children become confident communicators and early readers.
Certified practising speech pathologists from Western Sydney Local Health District run these free information talks aimed at caregivers supporting early language and literacy. The sessions are short, focused and suitable for parents with children under school age.
Dates and times:
- Auburn Library, Civic Place, 1 Susan Street, Auburn — Monday 2026-08-25, 11:30
- Merrylands Library, Corner of Miller and Newman Streets, Merrylands — Tuesday 2026-08-26, 11:30 and Thursday 2026-08-28, 11:30
Sessions are held immediately after Toddler Time and Preschool Storytime, making it easy to attend without disrupting your routine. No prior booking is required unless specified by the library; bring questions and any concerns about your child’s speech or literacy.
Auburn Library is located at Civic Place, 1 Susan Street, Auburn, with easy access to public transport and nearby parking; Merrylands Library sits at the corner of Miller and Newman Streets, Merrylands. Both libraries are family-friendly spaces where strollers and prams are welcome.
Facilities include accessible entry, parents’ seating areas, and children’s program spaces so you can comfortably attend with little ones in tow. If you need interpreting or additional access support, contact the library ahead of time and they will assist.
Sessions are free to attend and run in the library meeting or children’s program area, so arrive a little early to grab a seat and settle younger children after storytime.
These talks are information sessions, not individual therapy appointments; they provide general guidance and practical strategies for caregivers concerned about early speech and literacy. For personalised assessment or ongoing therapy, the presenters can advise on local referral pathways and services.
Please note the sessions are aimed at caregivers of infants, toddlers and preschoolers; if your child has complex needs or you require a detailed assessment, ask the presenters about next steps. Bringing notes about your child’s communication behaviours can help you get the most from the time.
Participants are encouraged to follow library safety and COVID-aware guidance as required, and to be respectful of other families attending. If sessions are full, the library staff may offer alternative dates or information on waiting lists.
The talks are free of charge and open to all caregivers in the community. There is no fee, making this a low-barrier way to get professional advice on early language and literacy from qualified clinicians.
Bookings are usually not required for these short after-storytime sessions, but you can contact the library to confirm capacity or request a spot. If a session requires booking, the library will provide instructions via its events page or at the service desk.
For more information about session times, access or future speech pathology talks, contact your local library or check Cumberland City Council events. These free talks are a practical resource for parents seeking support with speech development and early literacy strategies.
