What is Paint the Town REaD? 

Paint the Town REaD (PTTR) is an early literacy initiative that encourages everyone to read, talk, sing and rhyme with children from birth so that they are ready for reading and writing by the time they start school.

This community initiative started in Parkes NSW in 1996 and has now expanded to over 50 local government areas across Australia.

Visit the Paint the Town REaD website to learn more about PTTR's history.

Why is Early Literacy so Important?

Studies show that reading with your child daily from birth, translates into higher language and vocabulary skills. Literacy incorporates a range of modes of communication, including music, movement, dance, storytelling, visual.

When you introduce reading from birth and continue through to childhood, you are helping your child get to know sounds, words and language as well as develop literacy skills. These skills help develop your child’s brain, as well as social and emotional development.

‘Babies are born ready to learn, with around 90 percent of brain development occurring in the first five years of life. The early years are important, as how the brain grows is strongly influenced by what’s happening in a child’s environment and their interactions with the people around them’ – Education NSW, 2021

For more tips and information on reading and storytelling with babies and children check out 

Reading and storytelling with children

About Camden Paint the Town REaD

Camden Paint the Town REaD's journey started in 2016 when Binyang the Bookasaurus hatched from an egg at the first Camden PTTR reading day held at Narellan Library. Binyang the Bookasaurus is the Camden PTTR’s reading mascot. You may see him at the library, playgroups and other community events around Camden.

Camden Paint the Town REaD is run by a local committee, comprising of local organisations and project partners. For more information on the committee and how organisations, schools, businesses and Camden residents can get Get Involved. 

Our goal is to introduce Camden kids to reading, talking, singing and rhyming in their early years, and continue to grow this love of reading in their school years and adulthood. 

For more information on Camden Paint the Town REaD, download the booklet.  Camden Paint the Town REaD