It is this innovative spirit that has lead to the Library being featured in and contributing to the "The Library Innovation Toolkit: Ideas, strategies and programs" published by the American Library Association, edited by Anthony Molaro and Leah White.

Dr Matt Finch, consultant to Parkes Shire Library and Tracie Mauro, Parkes Branch Librarian co-authored Chapter 14 of the book titled "Monsters, Rockets, and Baby Racers: Stepping into the Story with Children and Young People". 

The chapter discusses some of the programs that have been implemented over the past years at the Library through the annual REaDTEMBER and school holiday programs.

The inclusion in the book is another significant achievement for Parkes Shire Library after recently being awarded the National Bess Thomas Award, a prestigious award that celebrates excellence in Library Services for Young People. 

Tracie Mauro, Branch Librarian said when they were approached to provide a chapter in the book, they jumped at the chance.

“It it is an honour to be part of a project such as this, along with other great library innovators,"  Tracie said.

"We are also pleased to be able to share our accomplishments and lessons learned with other libraries to help encourage a love of reading, writing, literacy and storytelling. Play based learning is such a good fit for libraries."  

The book is available through Amazon and marketed globally with the aim of sharing innovative ideas and practices to improve all aspects of library services. 

For more information on the book and the innovative programs at Parkes Shire Library call in to one of the branches or contact them on 6861 2309, email library@parkes.nsw.gov.au or on Twitter: @ParkesLibrary or their Facebook Page: KidsReadFun