Students spend morning with Stig

Stig performed to Gilgandra Public and St Joey’s students, encouraging everyone to head to Gilgandra Shire Library and become members.

Well known for his narrations of Andy Griffiths books, Stig wanted to encourage all students to utilise their library’s resources.

“The students have a wonderful time, it’s hilarious, but they go away thinking that guy was talking about ‘Borrow Box’ and audio books,” said Stig.

“Research has told us that children who use audio books along with reading as well, lifts their vocabulary, their attention of information, all through the roof.”

But Stig wasn’t the only one making an impression. Gilgandra’s dedicated librarian Liz McCutcheon made Stig’s visit extra special.

“I talk a lot about Andy Griffiths, and his famous for his ‘Treehouse’ books.

“So the librarian has built a bare truck tree house with no leaves on it, and the idea was, at the show, we would hand out these leaves and give them to the students to encourage them to come into the library and pin them to the tree,” said Stig.

“That way they will build their own tree house at the library with their name on it. And of course, while they’re in there, they can sign up to become library members which is what we want.”

Stig has been on tour throughout the central west and was very impressed by Gilgandra’s dedication to their students.

“Every school and library are different, but the schools and librarian in Gilgandra are just absolutely dedicated. Its really great when find teachers and librarians who are so dedicated to making the best possible chance for our children.”

On top of the library’s very own tree house, a writing competition was held, in which the winner’s story would be performed and read aloud by Stig in his show.

“The girl who won was unable to be at the performance, but they filmed me reading out her story and a personal message to her – and her story was great, it was so great,” said Stig.

“She’s year four or five, nine years old, and her story was sophisticated, clever, moving. When I read it out to the students you could have heard a pin drop, it had a better response than Andy Griffiths!”

Stig last visited Gilgandra over five years ago, and was thrilled to be back in town.