Families are encouraged to get together and celebrate Literacy Day by building forts and participating in virtual activities.(Submitted Photo/Melfort Public Library)

By Rachel May

Family Literacy Day

Melfort Library encourages families to build forts to foster literacy

Jan 26, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Melfort Library is encouraging literacy by spending a night singing, dancing and reading.

Family Literacy Day is Jan 27 and families are encouraged to get together and celebrate by building forts and participating in virtual activities.

Since 1999, learning facilities and families have taken part in activities to promote literacy. The day celebrates the importance of literacy in children’s development.

Rene Chamber, head librarian, said since the COVID-19 pandemic the library has had to change the way they celebrate the day.

“We usually do something in the library but we have had to change things. So last year we did fortnight at home and it was well received and I think it’s just the act of doing something to celebrate. “

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Families will build forts and enjoy a night filled with virtual activities. The library is providing kits filled with books, snacks and surprise treats.

Jan Heavin, assistant librarian, said that all families who pick up a kit will be invited to enjoy activities over zoom.

“It’s not mandatory but it’s something fun. That portion is going to be us librarians reading a book, a pillowcase scavenger hunt and we’re doing a little bit of a dance.”

Although Family Literacy Day encourages children to read, some parents may wonder how to incorporate literacy into daily life.

“It’s not just sitting a child down and making them read a book.,” Heavin added. “It’s having them read the cereal box, having them read the street signs as your go down the road, have them print out your grocery list for you. That’s all literacy.”

For children who don’t like traditional books, the library offers a service called TumbleBooks which is an e-book for children.

“It’s absolutely free to anyone with a library card and it’s all about children’s books so they will read a book to you with animation on the pictures.”

The Melfort Library also offers the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. As the first library in Saskatchewan to adopt the program, children from newborn to age five are encouraged to read and have books read to them before entering school.

Storytime was an offer at the library prior to the pandemic but now the library offers storytime in a bag, which contains a book, craft and song. Kits are available once a week and don’t require pre-registration.

For adults wanting to read more, you can fall in love with reading participating in a blind date with a book. Once readers are finished with the book, they can rate their date. Each rating will equal an entry into a draw for an RJ’s gift card or movie tickets.

Chamber’s hopes that everyone can enjoy reading in the library in a way that they enjoy.

“We welcome everyone to come into the library, see what’s going on. Check out the Facebook page and Wapiti Regional Library page. Make literacy part of your day.”

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM