It’s a literary extravaganza. Next week, Kamloops will be brimming with love for books and reading during the many events celebrating National Family Literacy Week.
The third annual Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week goes beyond the written word by encouraging parents and children to spend at least 15 minutes a day enjoying any learning activity.
And the fun events planned from Jan. 20 to 27 are sure to lure kids in.
Literacy in Kamloops (LinK), in partnership with the City of Kamloops, the Kamloops-Thompson School District, the Daily News and other groups, have planned events that encourage families to build literacy by reconnecting and playing together.
Activities include free swimming, skating, dancing, story times, game night, literacy Lego, Mother Goose swim and more.
The seventh annual ABC Family Literacy Day in Kamloops happens Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Henry Grube Education Centre.
In just three hours, and in keeping with this year’s theme 15 minutes of fun, the free event offers a chance to interact with storytellers, musicians and puppets, join in sing-alongs, dance, make crafts, play games and enjoy hands-on activities.
Kids also get to take home a book donated through the fourth annual Heap the Honda children’s book drive.
Add to the book drive by bringing a new or gently used children’s books to Kamloops Honda, YM/YWCA locations, the TNRD libraries, Starbucks locations and Interior Saving branches.
Elaborating on the importance of unplugging and playing, guest speaker Vince Gowmon presents Remembering to Play — Inspiring Joy, Freedom and Self-Care at Thompson Rivers University’s Alumni Clock Tower Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.
And on Jan. 24, catch a special screening of the award-winning film Play Again, which explores the consequences of a childhood removed from nature. The film starts at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre.
Admission to both events is by donation for Loonies for Literacy.
Seniors can get into the fun too by having tea at the library. North Kamloops Library invites the public for tea and live music on Jan. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m.
And the downtown library follows with a tea on Jan. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Reserve a seat by calling North Kamloops library at 250-554-1125 or the downtown library at 250-372-5145.
Check out the Daily News on Jan. 19 for a complete schedule of free Family Literacy Week events and activities in a special supplement.
