In celebration of Family Literacy Day, the Maple Ridge Public Library is hosting its annual Winter Fun Fair.
Family Literacy Day is a national event that underscores the importance of reading and engaging in literacy-focused activities as a family, according to ABC Life Literacy Canada, a national charitable organization that champions literacy by empowering adult learners, raising awareness, and supporting the adult learning sector.
This years theme, the organization noted, is 'Learn to be Green, Together', to pledge as a family to learn ways to be more green by using less electricity, commuting together, and reusing items.
Community librarian Liza Morria, noted this event is the highlight of the Maple Ridge Public Library's winter programming.
“The library is packed with families enjoying the activities, entertainment, and discovering the many services available in our community,” she said.
Winter Fun Fair was launched in 2016 and has become a cornerstone event for local families.
The event, explained Elaine Yamamoto, literacy outreach coordinator with the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie Community Literacy Committee, blends fun and education together, creating meaningful connections for all attendees.
There will be a festive atmosphere and interactive activities including live music from and performances from Showstoppers Academy from their upcoming show 'Alice By Heart'.
There will be a Family Dance Party for all ages.
And, at the heart of the celebration, will be the Community Resource Fair, which will highlight a diverse range of literacy forms, including physical, health, financial, and art literacy.
Here families will be able to explore booths from more than 22 local organizations and engage in activities to complete their Family Literacy Passports and win prizes.
Participating organizations include:
• MRPMK Community Literacy Committee;
• Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue;
• Ridge Meadows RCMP;
• SD42 Early Learning;
• Maple Ridge Parks and Recreation;
• Fraser Health;
• Family Education and Support Centre;
• Community Services;
• Fraser River Indigenous Society;
• WildSafe BC;
• Maple Ridge Museum and Community Archives;
• Family History Group;
• Maple Ridge Ukulele Circle;
• Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association;
• Work BC;
• and more.
Winter Fun Fair takes place this Saturday, Jan. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 22470 Dewdney Trunk Road.