Multicultural Storytimes
The presence of people from diverse cultural backgrounds enriches Port Phillip. We are the proud home of people from over 164 different birthplaces. Our residents speak 126 different languages.
We believe creating culturally safe spaces and opportunities for language use help our diverse communities continue to connect with their heritage. This is why we host Multicultural Storytimes.
Our multicultural storytimes
We’re working with Space2b and the libraries to bring you Multicultural Storytimes in seven languages – Amharic/Tigrinya, Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Our Storytimes offer fun stories read by native language speakers, with sessions available in English alongside the multicultural languages.
It's the perfect place for children aged five and under to develop their language skills while exploring and connecting with their own and other cultures. Plus, families will have the chance to connect and access important Council support services.
Storytime schedule
School Holidays: No Multicultural Storytime sessions during school holiday periods.
Watch now Storytimes
About the storytellers
To run specialty storytimes it takes special storytellers. We’ve partnered with Space2b to hire, train, mentor and support storytellers to provide culturally safe and inclusive storytime sessions.
Each storyteller will bring their own expertise and flair to their sessions.
Meet our storytellers
Nejat – Amharic/Tigrinya Storyteller
Originally from Eritrea, Nejat later moved to Australia and had two children. She used to take her children to storytimes when they were young to help them learn English and now she is excited to bring her language and culture to her very own storytimes.
The Multicultural Storytimes program has helped Nejat to feel a deeper sense of belonging, as she knows that her language and culture are recognised and valued in her community and she can’t wait to connect and share her culture with others.
Khadra – Arabic Storyteller
Originally from Somalia, Khadra arrived in Australia in 2006 on her own and has since built her family here. She has always called the City of Port Phillip home, making it her second home and a place close to her heart.
Khadra has a passion for cooking and being with children, which is why storytelling has become such a joy for her. It allows her to connect with children and share stories in her native language, Arabic. She also finds fulfillment in teaching children about different cultures, helping them appreciate the richness of diverse nationalities and traditions.
Khadra is deeply grateful to Space2b and the City of Port Phillip for giving her the opportunity to share her knowledge and make a meaningful impact in the community.
Rohini – Hindi Storyteller
Rohini is a passionate storyteller with over 12 years of experience, who recently moved to Melbourne from India. She brings a rich cultural heritage to her storytelling sessions, focusing on simplified Indian stories, mythological tales and using language elements like counting in Hindi. Rohini also uses movement and music and aims to make it easier for children to read and speak Hindi. Committed to community outreach, she looks forward to building lasting relationships with local families.
Snow – Mandarin Storyteller
Originally from China, Snow moved to Australia in 2019. She is an experienced artist and former junior high school art teacher, with over 25 years in the classroom. Snow loves to dabble in watercolour and often prepares her own original artworks to bring her storytimes to life. Passionate about early childhood art education, she joined the Space2b multicultural stories team to share her creativity and connect with the community. Snow is fluent in Mandarin and is also working on her English. Through storytelling and engaging with children, she finds great joy and motivation for her language learning.
Multicultural Storytime Posters
Partners and funding
This program couldn’t be delivered without support from Space2b, Better Health Network and FKA Children’s Services and the funding provided by the Victorian Government.
Space2b have their own webpage for the Multicultural Storytimes program.
Library-run storytimes
Our libraries also offer in-language storytimes at four of their branches – Albert Park, Emerald Hill, Port Melbourne and St Kilda.
These include weekly sessions in English and monthly sessions in Portuguese, German and Spanish, which are also suitable for children aged five years and under.
For more information, visit their Community Language Storytimes | Port Phillip Library Service
Contact us
Our Family Services team is here to help.
Send us a message on My Port Phillip.
Phone: 03 9209 6777