It's time again to.... Take 5 and Read

Literacy B.C. and the B.C. Library Association (BCLA) will partner again this year in the sixth annual Takes and Read campaign in B.C. for International Literacy Day.

The campaign urges everyone to "stop what you're doing -- pick up a book, a community newspaper, anything -- and READ" on this special day.

Across B.C., libraries, community literacy groups and students will host events to celebrate literacy and draw attention to the importance of literacy in our everyday lives.

Literacy B.C. and the BCLA plan to distribute Takes and Read information packages to public libraries, community literacy organizations, programs using volunteer tutors, schools, colleges and community newspapers throughout the province in mid-August.

The kits contain a newly designed poster and bookmarks, a sample media release and proclamation, an information sheet, and suggested activities to raise public awareness for International Literacy Day.

Groups are encouraged to organize activities such as:

• mall and library displays
• book sales
• local celebrities and learners reading from their own work
• events honouring local companies and organizations that use clearly written and easy to understand labelling and advertising

About 650 information kits will be produced for distribution.

Literacy B.C. and the BCLA would like to thank Coast Paper, Hemlock Printing and the Insight Group for their donations of materials and support.

Other sponsors of the Take 5 and Read campaign in B.C. are:

• B.C. and Yukon Community Newspapers Association
• Canada Post Corporation
• Laubach Literacy of Canada (B.C.)
• Library Services Branch, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Vancouver Public Library

Some suggested activities for
International Literacy Day

• encourage your local newspaper to write an article on literacy
• hold an open house at your local literacy centre
• organize a literacy walkathon or bikeathon
• design a literacy banner or stage a poster event
• organize a reading session for children and seniors

If you do not receive a kit, and would like to be added to the mailing list, call Literacy B.C. at
1-800-663-1293 toll-free.