Library Link: We can help you give your kids the gift of literacy

This year, Airdrie Public Library (APL) is excited to be able to offer even more of its ever-popular preschool literacy programs.

Babytime, ToddlerTime, Three to Get Ready, StoryTime, Tales and Tunes, and Rhymes and Songs – all are designed to encourage parents and children in their literacy journey. Incorporating the five literacy skills of reading, talking, playing, writing and singing, these programs often fill up quickly, so there are now more sessions from which parents and caregivers can choose.

According to ABC Life Literacy Canada: “Establishing a culture of learning encourages an exchange of ideas, enriches family relationships, and bolsters confidence and independent thinking.”

As such, family literacy programs are important tools for successful parenting.

With this in mind, the library’s preschool programs have evolved to include more of a focus on parent education “to let parents realize what they’re already doing to (encourage) literacy,” said Heather Finlayson, youth and children’s services manager.

The programs are also designed to let parents know the types of things they can do each day to continue that education.

“If you read, write, sing, talk and play with your children every day, they’re going to go to school ready to learn,” Finlayson said.

As children get older, the programs change to fit their needs and abilities, as well.

“StoryTime has the added benefit of really working on the play and write aspects of (literacy), so each session they’re doing a craft,” Finlayson said, adding that this helps develop fine motor skills.

“It also helps the children develop a love of reading and the library,” she added.

The programs are free of charge. A library card is necessary for programs requiring registration (Babytime, ToddlerTime, Three to Get Ready, StoryTime); drop-in programs (Tales and Tunes, Rhymes and Songs) are open to all.

Visit our website at www.airdriepubliclibrary.ca for information on dates and times or to register online. And stay tuned to Library Link to learn more about our upcoming Family Literacy Day celebrations later in January.

Also for families, our Sunday Family Cinema offering is The Smurfs. Drop by Airdrie Public Library this Sunday, 1:30-3 p.m., and enjoy.