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Lifelong Literacy

Lifelong Literacy: 

September is a month all about new beginnings, and perhaps we all need a fresh start. Traditionally, we think of the return to school, but this month is also a great month for Literacy. Literacy is more than just knowing how to read and write. There are many Essential Skills that help us live full, socially integrated lives. These skills are: reading, document use, numeracy, writing, oral communications, working with others, thinking, digital technology and continuous learning.

Literacy is important: According to the Project Read Literacy Network, 1 in 4 adults in Waterloo-Wellington 16 years and over fall in the lowest levels of literacy.  This means they have trouble understanding credit and debit platforms, reading no-name food labels, or following the directions on prescriptions. Try to imagine what that might feel like day to day. 

Here are just some of the reasons to celebrate this month:

As always, the content shared below is all digital. Simply use your library card to login and be taken directly to these articles. (Your device should remember platform logins for the future). We hope you enjoy exploring information on censorship, science and libraries’ roles in Literacy.

P.S. Need a Library Card? Signing up for a library card (at any library in the region) is free for residents of the Region of Waterloo. You can start with a digital card to gain immediate access to online collections (like the ones below), then visit your nearest location with an approved piece of address ID to receive the full card.

At the Library

Enjoy these instrumental tracks that will transport you to your public library. These tracks are directly inspired by libraries and books and are great for studying, reading, or simply relaxing.

Go to the Playlist
Browse Freegal Music

Information Access

There is more information available than ever before, but this doesn’t mean everyone has access to the information that they need. These selections look at the issues that impact information access - from fake news and free textbooks, to the impact of digital infrastructure and digital literacy. They examine some of the barriers to information access as well as solutions.

Science Literacy

Science literacy is important because the more you know, the more informed and empowered you are to make important choices. The focus of this year’s Science Literacy Week is Biodiversity. These selections will teach you all about Biodiversity which is the variety of life found in different ecosystems.

Libraries & Literacy

The role libraries play in literacy seems obvious. Free access to information of all types. These items have been curated to show the range of services and challenges faced by libraries locally and globally.

Literacy Links

Community Literacy

  • One Book, One Community (OBOC): This program supports reading, celebrates books and writing, promotes Canadian writers, and builds a sense of community through the shared experience of reading. Waterloo Region’s OBOC selection for 2020 is Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice. This post-apocalyptic novel takes place in an Indigenous Northern Ontario community. Join us on September 23rd and 24th for two Youtube Live events with the author as he shares more about his work.  Already read Moon of the Crusted Snow? Check out some similar reads.
  • Canada Reads 2020 Missed the Battle of the Books debates? You can steam videos from this year and previous years on Curio.ca.

Adult Literacy

  • Adult Literacy Did you know the Central library houses an adult literacy collection on the second floor? Items are categorized by reading level and topic, with pictogram labels.
  • Lifelong Learning: Visit our website to get all kinds of information. We have staff created tutorials for computer basics and help with common apps as well as recommended free resources. Thes free resources include lynda.com, Pronunciator and TechBoomers

Children’s Literacy

  • 1000 Books Before Kindergarten: Sign up for this challenge and then read a book - any book - to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your child starts kindergarten.
  • Billie's Book Picks: Not sure what books to check out? Ask staff in the children’s area or complete this form. You’ll get a set of 10 books chosen by staff: either board books, picture books or early readers. Look for expansions to this program coming soon.
  • Tween Narnia Fun Club: Tweens in grades 5-6 can join this weekly series exploring the Chronicles of Narnia Series. Each session will feature adventures of a different book/movie in the series with challenges and puzzles to solve.