The Thompson Public Library is celebrating I Love to Read Month, a yearly celebration that encourages reading, writing and sharing the joy of literacy. Library administrator Cheryl Davies is excited for the weeks ahead, and how they might bring new readers into the literacy fold.
“What we have noticed, for the size of our population, is that we don’t have a lot of readers,” explained Davies. “So really, we encourage people to come in and take advantage of what we have to offer here. I think reading and literacy are valuable. You don’t have to read. You can listen to audiobooks. You can browse a magazine. You can read a graphic novel. We have books here that are called high-interest, low-level, where the words are easier, but the concept is adult. The library also has DVDs, CDs, audiobooks and access to downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines – all to read on your devices or computer.”
Davies said the theme for this year’s reading month, as determined by the Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg, is Books For a Better World.
“So we are doing a few things,” the 15-year Thompson Public Library employee explained. “We have a calendar that talks about all the things you can do in a month that might help build a better world. We have three book displays this month. Books For a Better World is one of them. One of the reasons we celebrate a month of reading is because even though as librarians we love to read every month, we can’t take for granted that everyone reads. And we all know that the enjoyment of reading, for study or pleasure, creates life skills.”
Davies said the other book displays are Black History Month, Valentines Day, and Freedom To Read Week – which is coming up Feb. 23-29.
“For the month, we are encouraging patrons to write down the title of a favourite book, or author, and stick it on a heart and put it up on our window,” she said. “We are asking people to write on our whiteboard what they love about books, reading, the library, literacy in general, or about building a better world.”
A table for free books will be set up at the Thompson Regional Community Centre Feb. 23 during Winterfest.
“We also have story time twice a week,” she said. “And during the month of February it’ll be all about reading and the love of books. There’s always a book-themed craft as well. We have some kids’ events at the library, so if parents come in to get a library card, they can come in and participate.”
The Thompson Public Library has an Instagram page that’ll be showcasing Books for a Better World. All I Love To Read Month events, exploring culture, Pride, change, peace and hope, are posted on the library Facebook page or get information by calling 204-677-3717.
