National Simultaneous Storytime 2025   

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 25th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

Event Information

In 2024 it was the biggest and most successful NSS to date with over 2.3 million participants at over 21, 000 locations!

Find out more here. 

What do we look for in the National Simultaneous Storytime book? Each year interested publishers send in possible titles. From a practical perspective, the publisher has to be able and willing to provide copyright release for use of the illustrations, book projection, translation into other languages and performance. The publisher also needs to commit to a special print run of several thousand copies. This narrows down the options. The criteria for choosing from the remaining books include: a positive storyline; appeal to a modern and diverse audience; suitability for read-aloud (language and length); how well the book lends itself to craft and other activities.

Event Delivery

This event takes place online.

This year NSS takes place on Wednesday 21 May 2025 at 12:00pm. Everyone can join NSS, it doesn't matter whether you are at home, a school, a public library or even a university library! 

PVNPS Participation

All the students from Prep and Grade 1/2 will be participating in National Simultaneous Storytime next Wednesday 21/5/25.