Decision details

The original motion was moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore.

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)           Rhymetime is an interactive library program that involves singing and rhymes, promoting early literacy development for children aged 0-2; 

(ii)         Storytime is an interactive library program that involves storytelling, promoting social interaction and ‘readiness’ for school for children aged 3-5; 

(iii)        the City of Sydney provides Mandarin bilingual Rhymetime and Storytime sessions at the Darling Square and Green Square libraries; 

(iv)        City of Sydney staff continually review programs to deliver a range of events, activities and services that meet the needs of the community. Over the past 12 months, attendance at bilingual story time at Darling Square has been declining, and at the at the same time demand for children’s programming increasing at our Green Square branch;

(v)         in response to changes in demand, staff planned to adjust programming on a trial basis, increasing the frequency of Rhymetime and Storytime in Green Square and reducing the frequency in Darling Square;

(vi)        these changes were listed on the City of Sydney website in late January, and the proposed revised program schedule linked in the City of Sydney library newsletter;

(vii)      based on community feedback, the City decided not to proceed with the trial before the beginning of the term and updated the City of Sydney website on 1 February to confirm that; and

(viii)     the City of Sydney continues to run weekly bilingual and English language story time and rhyme time and sessions at Darling Square; and

(B)        Council further note:

(i)           full funding for bilingual library sessions is allocated in the 2023/24 budget. $150,500 is allocated for programming in libraries, which covers facilitators, stores and materials, licencing, marketing and translators, in addition to staff salaries; and

(ii)          adjustments to the timing of programs are occasionally made based on demand or as community interest changes.

The substantive motion was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (9)     The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Chan, Davis, Ellsmore, Gannon, Kok, Scott, Weldon and Worling

Noes (1)     Councillor Jarrett*.

*Note – Councillor Jarrett abstained from voting on this matter. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 10.4 of the Code of Meeting Practice, Councillor Jarrett is taken to have voted against the motion.

Amended motion carried.

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