Celebrate Ontario Public Library Week

Who doesn’t love to hold a book in their hands? Whether it is made of papyrus, cloth, paper, or leather, it has its own mystique. Sprawled on a window seat, lying on a beach, sunk into a cozy chair in the library, we lose ourselves in the pages of a book as we travel to other places and times. But libraries are not just about borrowing or housing books. They are a vehicle for delivering community cohesion, social inclusion, community engagement, equality and diversity. They are places where you can access the internet; they are venues for homework clubs, mother and toddler groups, business networking, information sessions for newcomers and places for quiet study and research. Libraries are centres for all ages and sections of the community. But the stereotypical library is changing. Books are being pushed aside for digital learning centres and gaming areas – “loud rooms” that promote public discourse. Group projects are taking over the bookish quiet. Hipster staffers who blog, chat on Twitter, and use Facebook to promote services are edging out old-school librarians. And that’s just the surface. Walk into libraries across Canada and find staff interacting with families and providing free equitable access to children’s books. From board books and non-fiction for curious young minds to digital picture books that use technology to nurture literacy skills, public libraries are the cornerstone of early literacy in our communities. That’s why the Canadian Paediatric Society encourages families to visit their public library and register for a card as an essential step in early literacy skills development. Libraries provide early literacy programs in the form of story times, summer reading programs and innovative partnerships. “Early literacy programming in public libraries contributes to elevating young children’s levels of literacy and engagement in learning, thereby contributing to school readiness and school success.” (Urban Libraries Council, 2007). Interactive story time programs are designed to support parents, caregivers and children by helping families develop the tools to allow their children the best opportunity to master essential pre-reading skills. Libraries also provide interactive early literacy discovery spaces that are open to all. They work with community partners to engage newcomers to Canada and those who are unfamiliar with the library’s role as a place with free access to books, information, literacy support, homework help and technology. Libraries work with community agencies as hubs for literacy, information, recreation and lifelong learning. Every day, public libraries across Canada serve thousands of families, providing the support and resources they require to meet their literacy and information needs. Visit the Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library from Oct. 16-22 and celebrate Ontario Public Library Week with us!

Carolyn