Young Reader Summer Book Collection Recap
What a great success!! In honour of Calgary Pride Week, we came together as a community to host our second family-friendly live reading event at the Central Library! We were thrilled to have all the smiling faces as we began our second reading event :) Thank you to all families who came out to support us, and to our guest reader Mason Jenkins, your support in this event meant the world to us and our community! We also want to express gratitude to Wee Wild Ones, Owl’s Nest, the Calgary Public Library, and all those who applied for the second instalment of the Young Readers book collection. We are grateful for the number of responses and are touched by each of your stories.
To close off our second event, we’ve rounded up some notable highlights from last Saturday’s read-aloud. Read on to see how our event unfolded, the value of this program, and how you can register for the following book selection and event!
Young Readers Live Event Recap
Families of all ages joined the Calgary Public Library community in the front atrium of the Central Library, sitting with anticipation as they waited for the event to begin! Hannele Gordon, our Equity & Community Director began the event and shared a warm welcome, before Haley, a children’s programmer from the Calgary Public Library, encouraged the attendees to participate in a children’s version of the land acknowledgement with hand signals and signs. Shortly after our guest reader Mason Jenkins greeted the group and began to read the three thoughtfully selected books. Mason began the read-aloud with “Pride 1 2 3” by Michael Joosten followed by a short wiggle break. Once we refocused he read “Neither” by Airlie Anderson encouraging the children to “honk” as loud as they could - respectfully of course. After a short intermission Mason brought out his guitar and sang the group an original song titled “Tom boy,” inspired by his own transition and journey. To close our reading event Mason read “What are Your Words?” by Katherine Locke
The event was an HUGE success, and it filled our hearts with joy and wonder to be able to witness individuals of all ages listen and engage with the books as we intended with our Young Readers program, to encourage everyone to seek out diverse narratives, enjoy reading, and become lifelong learners and leaders in the community!
Through interactive narratives, like read-aloud, we engage the audience in understanding books and building connections through the community and invite children to listen and learn about topics that are underrated yet important.
Young Readers Summer Collection drop off
We are excited to announce we will be delivering the July books to all selected applicants in the next few days!
Thank you to those who took the time to apply for this month’s book collection. We strongly believe these books will help you educate the next generation of future leaders and innovators by promoting diverse narratives and engaging conversations.
Our selected applicants who received our 6 months to 5 years books include:
Heart Home Network formally The Brenda Strafford Centre
Our selected applicants who received our 5 to 12 years books include:
All recipients received:
5 diverse and inspirational based books on Love, Pride & Identity from our book collection
5 Young Readers book guides to assist in promoting thought-provoking conversations and activities
A personalized note thanking all recipients for their application and working towards creating a brighter future for all
The young readers program hopes to foster a genuine love of reading in young children and to help educators facilitate age-appropriate discussions about important yet underrepresented subjects. Our goal is to continue improving access to diverse educational resources for organizations facing financial barriers. To learn more about Young Readers, click here.
We are thrilled to host our next live reading event Saturday, November 26, 2022! Our fall book collection will focus on Mindfulness, Empathy & Kindness. Interested in taking part in our next read-aloud? Or know of an organization who cares for children ages 6 months to 12 years, including childcare centres, classrooms, and non-profit organizations that would benefit from these books? Click here to apply!
Follow along on our not-for-profit organization’s Instagram and Facebook for more information about upcoming events and initiatives.