According to UNESCO, “literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society.”
At Maple Ridge Public Library, we support literacy year-round through our programs, collections and services. But every January, we throw a big party to celebrate with the whole community.
On Saturday, Jan 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Maple Ridge Winter Fun Fair celebrates all things literacy-related as part of the annual provincial Family Literacy Day celebration.
The library welcomes special guests to explore literacy in its many forms, including early learning, reading, numeracy, health, physical fitness, art and much more.
Guests from local agencies include staff from the local school district, fire department, parks and culture departments, The ACT, Fraser Health, Community Services, ISSofBC, VanCity, community literacy committee, family education and support, WildBC, the child development centre.
There will be a special presentation by Showstoppers Academy, which will perform songs from its upcoming production, as well as a family dance party, popcorn and a chance to win great prizes. All ages are welcome to this free, family friendly event.
If your family wants to continue to work on literacy skills, there are many options to choose from at Maple Ridge Public Library.
Stop by the library to sign up for 1,000 Stories Before Kindergarten.
Each child receives a lovely reading record and collects stickers as they share stories with their families, with prizes along the way for reaching special milestones.
For your Kindergarten-age child, look out for information coming home in January from your child’s teacher about the library’s Blast Off for Kindergarten program.
A cool reading record, a special lanyard for their library card and a list of recommended stories make this a fun way to enjoy stories at home.
After Blast Off for Kindergarten, why not consider joining Reading Buddies? The Reading Buddies program pairs a child in grades 1-3 to meet weekly with a teen volunteer to practice reading in a fun and relaxed environment. The next Reading Buddies session runs on Mondays, Jan. 14-Mar. 11, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Call or stop by the library to register.
Another option is Paws4Stories. Trained therapy dog Cheeto and his human friend Rose come to the library to read with children who need more intensive reading help and support. The shorter 1515-minuteessions are intended for children who have experienced barriers to learning to read. Call the library for more information.
For older kids, check out Kids’ Coding Club. At Coding Club, you will learn how to create cool games, animations, and websites in the library computer lab.
This program in on Mondays, Jan. 21-Feb. 25, 3:30-4:30 p.m. for ages 8-12. Registration is required.
To learn more about the Winter Fun Fair and other Maple Ridge Public Library programs and services, come by the library, call us at 604-467-7417 or check out our website at fvrl.bc.ca.
– Liza Morris is a librarian at Maple Ridge Public Library.