Winnipeg, MB - Celebrate reading, literacy and lifelong learning at your public library during Family Literacy Day on January 27 and February's I Love to Read Month.
The Library is offering over 50 reading and literacy programs for families during January and February. For the full listing of all programs, visit winnipeg.ca/library or pick up a copy of @ The Library. Some programs require registration. All programs are free.
Sign up for Pre-School Family Programs
Early literacy skills develop right from birth: telling stories, having fun with books, and learning sounds of speech build reading readiness.
Registration for the winter sessions of Baby Rhyme Time, Time for Twos, Pre-school Story Time and Family Story Time begins Friday, January 17 at 10:00 a.m. at all branches of Winnipeg Public Library.
- Baby Rhyme Time and Time for Twos programs introduce babies and toddlers and their caregivers to the world of books, songs, and rhymes. Each session runs eight weeks.
- Pre-school Story Time is a half hour of stories, action rhymes and finger plays for children ages 3-5 who are ready to be on their own. Each session runs eight weeks.
- Family Story Time is an eight week program of stories, rhymes and activities with weekly themes. The stories are best for children ages 3-5, however younger and older siblings are welcome to enjoy being part of the action as well.
Contribute to the Library’s Story Murals
The Library celebrates readers - and writers. During the month of February, children ages 6-12 are invited to drop in to Henderson, Millennium, Pembina Trail, River Heights, St. Vital or West End Libraries and add their words to the story mural. The Library will get the story started and then it’s up to the children to contribute to the tale. Who knows where the story will go next!
Visit a Check it Out! Community Program
The Check it Out! mobile program provides a library of books and magazines, and active literacy-based programs, in the host sites of Dufferin School, Norquay Community Centre, Indian Family Centre and Blake Gardens Resource Centre.
Hundreds of popular fiction and non-fiction books and magazines for children, teens and adults are available to borrow.
Literacy-based activities including stories and active literacy-based games are also offered. The program increases opportunities for communities to interact with books and reading, promotes family literacy, and encourages lifelong learning and using the public library. The Check it Out! program runs at each host site twice a month, year-round.
Explore at Family Literacy Fun Days
Family Literacy Fun Days are a special library event where families travel between multiple stations taking part in creative activities that promote the playful use of reading, writing and language skills. Each family receives a “passport” that is stamped after each activity is completed. The event is free, open to all families, and no registration is required. Drop in and participate at your own pace.
- Westwood Library 66 Allard Ave. / Saturday, January 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Charleswood Library 5014 Roblin Blvd. / Saturday, January 25 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Cornish Library 20 West Gate / Monday, January 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Note: This Fun Day features Aboriginal-themed activities.)
- Louis Riel Library 1168 Dakota St. / Saturday, February 4 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- West End Library 999 Sargent Ave. / Saturday, February 8 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Munroe Library 489 London St. / Saturday, February 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Pembina Trail Library 2724 Pembina Hwy / Saturday, February 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- West Kildonan Library 365 Jefferson Ave. / Saturday, February 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Osborne Library 625 Osborne St. / Saturday, February 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Note: This Fun Day features Aboriginal-themed activities.)
- St. John’s Library 500 Salter St. / Thursday, February 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pay your Fines and Fees and Support Family Literacy
In celebration of National Family Literacy Day, all fines and fees collected on Monday, January 27 will be donated to The Winnipeg Foundation’s Literacy for Life Fund. The Literacy for Life Fund provides grants to family literacy programs across the city and province, including Winnipeg Public Library. These grants help bring books, storytelling, healthy play and quality learning to thousands of Manitobans every year.