CCPL's Presentation to Williams Lake City Council January 10, 2017
Lil Mack and Kathy Newell, Board Directors for CCPL made a passionate presentation on January 10th to the City of Williams Lake Council asking that they proclaim Monday, January 23rd to Sunday, January 29th as Family Literacy Week. The Province of British Columbia has proclaimed for the first time January 23rd to January 29th as Family Literacy Week.
The Presentation
Every day we hear literacy stories of success
Yet as many success stories as there are, there are also
The things that go unnoticed by so many of us in our day to day life are not just scary but also dangerous to those who have difficulty reading. And so, this is where CCPL comes in. We believe that the lack of basic literacy skills is the biggest barrier to personal wellbeing and community development.
We have a core of volunteers who are committed to raising awareness and understanding about literacy.
We have initiated and supported learning opportunities for everyone in our community for the past 20 years.
But we are not alone in talking about literacy and essential skills: we are part of a whole community that is seeing the value—even the critical importance—of strengthening these skills for everyone.
Proclaiming National Family Literacy Week January 22nd to January 29th promotes the very important role that families play in their children’s learning and development.
Family literacy refers to the way parents, children, and extended family members use literacy at home and in the community.
Family literacy occurs naturally during the routines of daily living and helps children and adults get things done.
The research is clear: supporting Family Literacy is the easiest and most accessible way to help improve social and academic outcomes for all children.
During this week we also want to honour and acknowledge the amazing work our community does in providing family literacy events and programs all year long
Let’s celebrate National Family Literacy Week Jan. 22-29; and then let’s celebrate the power of families every day!
On behalf of the Board, staff and volunteers of CCPL thank you for your ongoing support and recognition of literacy matters in Williams Lake.
Every day we hear literacy stories of success
- from people who have passed their drivers licence test,
- their Canadian citizenship,
- gained the necessary credits to enter a postsecondary course,
- passed a welding test,
- a construction test,
- an English as a second language test,
- people who can now read and discuss articles in the paper,
- interpret insurance and legal documents.
- Seniors who can hold and share their stories—stories that would otherwise be lost forever.
- People who have a better understanding of their finances and health.
- Young families who cherish their baby’s first books and the kids who love to sit and read at the Bright Red Bookshelves….
Yet as many success stories as there are, there are also
- people who cannot read warning labels on products,
- people who cannot read or understand instruction manuals,
- people who find store sale signs and street signs difficult,
- people who are powerless without the knowledge of how to manage their finances and get out of debt
- people who cannot maneuver their way through our justice or health systems
The things that go unnoticed by so many of us in our day to day life are not just scary but also dangerous to those who have difficulty reading. And so, this is where CCPL comes in. We believe that the lack of basic literacy skills is the biggest barrier to personal wellbeing and community development.
We have a core of volunteers who are committed to raising awareness and understanding about literacy.
We have initiated and supported learning opportunities for everyone in our community for the past 20 years.
But we are not alone in talking about literacy and essential skills: we are part of a whole community that is seeing the value—even the critical importance—of strengthening these skills for everyone.
Proclaiming National Family Literacy Week January 22nd to January 29th promotes the very important role that families play in their children’s learning and development.
Family literacy refers to the way parents, children, and extended family members use literacy at home and in the community.
Family literacy occurs naturally during the routines of daily living and helps children and adults get things done.
The research is clear: supporting Family Literacy is the easiest and most accessible way to help improve social and academic outcomes for all children.
During this week we also want to honour and acknowledge the amazing work our community does in providing family literacy events and programs all year long
- Strong Start programs;
- story time at the library and Scout Island;
- Tumble and Play;
- free interactive events and family festivals that are supported, promoted and sponsored by local business and service organizations and the list goes on.
- The week wraps up on Sunday, January 29th with the annual Family Fest at the Gibraltar room 10–2pm. You’re all most welcome to come by!
Let’s celebrate National Family Literacy Week Jan. 22-29; and then let’s celebrate the power of families every day!
On behalf of the Board, staff and volunteers of CCPL thank you for your ongoing support and recognition of literacy matters in Williams Lake.
