Canadian
Library
Association
Conference
Presentation
2006 - Handout

A Program of Red Deer Public Library

Mission:
To foster greater literacy development of children and parents by

• early intervention
• building on strengths within families
• providing information, materials and personal support.

All of our programs are completely free and are delivered in a fun and friendly way.

Family Literacy programs are intended to increase the awareness of the importance of reading, and to develop literacy skills at an early age. They are offered to parents and children through the following programs:

World of Words – in a number of schools, kindergarten children and their parents have fun learning through stories, rhymes, songs, and activities to help improve literacy skills and assist in the transition to Grade 1.  Involving parents is a way of helping them to improve their literacy skills so they can help their children at home. Download World of Words (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required)

Summer Reading Buddy - This program is offered during July and August to Elementary school age students who are referred by their teachers, and need additional support in reading and/or writing. Students are paired with a qualified tutor and another “buddy,” and receive assistance to accommodate their specific needs. The program encourages a higher level of literacy in the family unit by giving the participants incentive to read independently and with family members.

Kids Club - This is a partnership between Family Literacy and the Red Deer Centre. The Kids Club is held once every month, except during July and August, to parents and caregivers with pre-school children. It consists of stories, rhymes, songs, and other activities to encourage the development and enhancement of early literacy skills in the family. Free refreshments are provided and registration is not required.

Family Reading Fun - This program is offered through local agencies where there are parents who need help with literacy. Family Literacy provides a facilitator who goes to the agency and teaches the literacy component for a portion of the agency’s regularly scheduled program. Family Literacy contributes snacks through donations.

Family Literacy has received support from the community, and has established solid partnerships. If you are a business or a person interested in making a contribution to our valuable programs, we welcome your donations in the form of incentive prizes, gift certificates, funding or books.

Volunteers for storytimes are always welcome.

For more information, contact:

Celia Jaipaul
Projects Coordinator
Dawe Branch, Red Deer Public Library
(403) 309-3488
cjaipaul@rdpl.org