The Greater Victoria Public Library will celebrate Family Literacy Week by encouraging patrons to discover “rare words” with their children.
Rare words are words that are not commonly used in spoken language but often appear in print. Even books that do not have a great deal of text such as children’s picture books and board books contain rare words.
“We know that a child’s vocabulary is an indicator of whether he or she will be a good reader so it is important to expose kids to lots of different words at an early age,” said Tracy Kendrick, children’s and teen services co-ordinator.
“Two great ways to bring more rare words into your child’s life are to read a picture book together or attend a storytime at the library.”
During Family Literacy Week (Jan. 24 to 31) the library is ofering many special programs:
n Literacy-based craft programs such as make your own story cube, felt story or ABC collage book. Various branches, dates and times at gvpl.ca.
n Storytime & Booksmack at Mayfair Shopping Centre on Jan. 27 (11:30 a.m.). Drop by the Book Nook for stories, songs, rhymes, puppets and book recommendations from GVPL children’s librarians.
n A special nutritional storytime featuring a reading of The Watermelon Seed along with a short craft and a healthy snack and nutrition tips delivered by Island Health. The event is at Central Branch on Jan. 31 at 10:15 a.m.
n Drop-in baby and family storytimes. Various branches, times and dates throughout the year. Details at gvpl.ca.
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