First Nations Languages stories expand across Australia

First Nations Languages are at the centre of an initiative expanding access to culturally rich and diverse stories for young readers, with digital reading platforms Libby and Sora partnering with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) to make more First Languages titles available through libraries, schools and remote Communities.

Languages featured in the collection include Dhurga (NSW), Yawuru (WA), Walmajarri (NT), Kriol (Katherine, NT), Tiwi (NT), Wirangu (SA) and Bunuba (WA), reflecting the diversity and intergenerational strengths of First Nations Languages across Australia.

The initiative supports greater access to stories created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, giving young readers more opportunities to see and hear Languages, cultures and identities represented in the books they read.

A distinctive feature of the titles is the integration of QR codes, allowing readers to hear First Languages spoken aloud and to create avenues for connecting directly with the storytellers themselves.

Each book also includes information about the Country and Language of origin, strengthening the connections to place and deepening understanding of the story’s cultural context and the complex diversity of our First Peoples.

“Each story told is so important, from language preservation, cultural continuation and as demonstrations of intergenerational strengths as First Peoples of this country.

“We are proud to work alongside the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to support the visibility and accessibility of First Nations Languages,” Mal O’Brien, Regional Sales Manager for Libby and Sora, said.

“By making these stories available through Libby and Sora, we are helping libraries and schools connect young readers with Language, culture and Community in meaningful ways.”

Developed in close collaboration with ILF, OverDrive is also working with library partners across Australia to support how these titles are shared and experienced locally, including in remote Communities.

“Our books are made and created by the Communities we are privileged to work with and support,” Zoe Cassim, Director of Programs and Publishing representing the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, said.

“Each story told is so important, from language preservation, cultural continuation and as demonstrations of intergenerational strengths as First Peoples of this country.

“Having these stories and histories accessible digitally creates new avenues for readers and people to engage with our authors and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It is a showcase of the value of our stories and shared histories.”

The program also recognises the important role schools play as access points to books, particularly in Communities without local libraries. Through Sora, students can access First Languages titles on their devices, supporting flexible and inclusive reading experiences across different learning environments.

As the partnership continues, Libby, Sora and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation remain committed to supporting the visibility and everyday use of First Nations Languages through storytelling, access and collaboration with Communities.

About OverDrive

OverDrive is the leading digital content platform that supports public libraries and schools around the world through its flagship apps, Libby and Sora. OverDrive serves more than 92,000 libraries and schools in 115 countries with the industry’s largest digital catalogue of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, videos, and other content.

Libby is the library reading app, offering seamless access to ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines for users of all ages – free with a library card. Sora is a digital reading platform built specifically for schools, designed to engage students with age-appropriate content, powerful learning tools, and a wide range of reading formats including audiobooks, comics, and read-alongs.

About Indigenous Literacy Foundation

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a national charity of the Australian Book Industry, working with remote and very remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia.