The Sechelt Public Library will celebrate Family Literacy Day on Friday, Jan. 27.
The main event is a birthday party for all those babies born in 2005 and their parents or caregivers. The fun begins at 10 a.m. Come for a few minutes or for the entire morning.
As in all birthday parties, there will be games and activities (rhymes, bounces and finger plays), cake, refreshments and presents (handouts, book bags and books). Special guests will include representatives from public health nursing, the child care resource and referral centre, the infant development program and the Parent-Tot Drop-in program. Information about services for infants and toddlers will be on display.
Family Literacy Day will also be the occasion to launch the Books for Babies Program on the Sunshine Coast. Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Public Health Nursing and the Sechelt and Gibsons public libraries are partners in delivering this program which continues the already successful Raise a Reader initiative.
Books for B. C. Babies is funded by the province of British Columbia. Three year funding totaling almost $570,000 will ensure that every newborn and his or her family will receive the gift of literacy. Babies born in 2006 will receive Raffi's Baby Beluga book and CD in a handy carrying bag. Approximately 200 babies are born on the Sunshine Coast each year and all will receive this welcome to the world of books and reading.
These are just some activities to celebrate literacy. For more information call the library at 604-885-3260 or contact your local library or school. Get caught reading on Jan. 27.