AUTISM Spectrum Australia (Aspect) - formerly Autism Association of NSW - has launched Autism Awareness month, an initiative which will feature a series of events and programs throughout Australia aiming to inform the community about Autism.

As part of Autism Awareness month, Greater Taree City Libraries have received a donation of books and CDs from the Mid North Coast Autism Support Group.

Manager Lee Murray said the new collection will provide valuable resources to members of the community diagnosed with autism or interacting with people that have autism.

"It will offer them access to information that is generally not readily available."

Greater Taree Library manager Margie Wallis said the donation provides a welcome addition to the comprehensive parenting collection within the library.

"These types of valuable donations strengthen the libraries' resources and in turn provide the community with information on more specific subject areas."

Greater Taree City Libraries will release the donated resources in time for Library and Information Week, a celebration from May 25 to 30, highlighting the important role of public libraries within the community.

This year's program will include a competition inviting members to create a piece of writing, visual or audio representation of 'what the library means to them' with fantastic prizes on offer. There will also be free law talks and National Simultaneous Storytime.

Stephen Michael King, shortlisted in this year's Children's Book Week awards will be a special guest during Thursday's Storytime at Taree City Library.

For more information about the autism collection and Library and Information Week activities contact Danielle Donnelly on 6592 5390.

For further information about Autism Awareness Week contact Lee Murray at Mid North Coast Autism Support Group on 0403 884 849 or email asdtaree@hotmail.com.