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Fernie Heritage Library plans Family Literacy Day events

The Fernie Heritage Library is hosting a number of programs to get kids excited about reading
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Locals are encouraged to paint their Curbside Craft bags to be entered to win fun prizes. (Photo Contributed)

The Fernie Heritage Library is kicking off new programs to celebrate Family Literacy Day on Jan. 27, including the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative and the Creative Curbside Competition.

“Family Literacy Day…raises the awareness of reading and highlights its importance in our lives,” said library assistant, Jessica Bozoky.

“Reading and listening to stories is how we enhance our vocabulary, understanding, and communication skills… it’s a great way to connect with loved ones as well as the world around us, and it broadens our frame of reference.”

The library will have Curbside Craft Kits available on Family Literacy Day, with participants eligible to win a $25 gift vouchers from local businesses in exchange for painting the curbside bags as part of the Creative Curbside Competition.

“We have been offering curbside pickup for books since the pandemic began, but our brown bags are a little… brown,” said Bozoky.

“This competition – Creative Curbside - is for all ages, we know there are a lot of artists in town so we’d love for them to get creative and make our bags exciting.”

The library will eventually be putting the decorated bags back into circulation for the community to enjoy. All Creative Curbside entries must be posted to social media with the #fhlcurbside.

Further encouraging families to spark a love for reading in their youngsters is the library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative.

“It might seem like a daunting number, but if you were to read a book to your one year old every night before bed, you’d be surpassing the goal by the time they reach kindergarten,” said Bozoky, adding that books can be re-read, read by other family members, or listened to virtually during one of the library’s online programs.

The library’s YouTube channel will also be continuing throughout the new year, featuring virtual programs including Storytime and Toddlertime with Michelle.

“We’re used to having smiling faces and giggles echoing through our library during Storytime, but for now we’re excited to launch our YouTube channel in the lead up to Family Literacy Day so we can focus our Facebook and Instagram on a wider variety of content, like the newly popular #bookfacefriday,” said Bozoky, adding that more tutorial style videos are to be expected in the future.

For more information on the library’s upcoming events, visit their Facebook page or head to fernie.bc.libraries.coop.

READ MORE: ‘We have such a good group here’: Local senior keeps head held high throughout pandemic



reporter@thefreepress.ca

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