Greek Storytime will continue at Richmond Library following The Greek Herald’s probing into claims surrounding the closure of the program.
“The Greek Stories and Play program is not being cancelled and will return to Richmond Library in 2024,” a Yarra City Spokesman told The Greek Herald.
On January 9, Greek language teacher Vicky Petala, facilitator of the program, received a letter from Yarra Libraries stating, “we won’t be supporting Greek Stories and Play financially this year”.
The webpage promoting Greek Storytime sessions was also taken down from the Yarra Libraries website.
Following an article published in The Greek Herald, a Yarra City Council spokesman said, “Rest assured that this important, community-led program will continue to be supported by Yarra Libraries.”
Through the program, families are encouraged to continue sharing songs and reading together from the provided collection of picture story books.
“Yarra Libraries will continue to support the Greek community with our collection and curation of Greek language materials, and by providing space for the community to gather, meet and celebrate their culture,” the spokesman said.
Upon hearing the news, Maria Tsakalas, the mother who started a petition to preserve Greek Story Time at Richmond Library said she is happy that her two young children will continue to have the opportunity to connect with their culture.
“Thank you Greek Herald! This is great news,” she said.
