Family Literacy Day is an annual celebration every January 27 that promotes the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.
Let's celebrate together at the library! Visit the Downtown Library on Monday, Jan. 27 from 10-10:30 am for a special Family Literacy Day Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs and fun learning activities for the whole family. Continue the fun by borrowing some books to take home.
Family Literacy Day 2025 Theme: Learn to be Green, Together
Make a pledge as a family to learn ways to be more green. Use less electricity, commute together, and reuse items. Being green together is a fun way to learn as a family while being kind to the environment.
Families are encouraged to learn to be green together by:
- Starting an indoor garden
- Visit a local park or nature museum
- Shop at a local business or flea market
- Eat a meatless meal
- Make a craft from recycled items
- Go screen-free for the day
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Visit ABC Life Literacy Canada for more information about literacy, and creative ideas to learn to be green together.
How to develop family literacy with the library
1. Attend library programs
Every week, the library hosts a range of programs for kids and families. From favourites like Storytime, Parachute Play, and Baby Goose, these programs help to develop reading and oral language skills through read alouds, music and rhyme.
Join us for a special Family Literacy Day Storytime on Mon. Jan. 27 from 10-10:30 am at the Downtown Library.
View our full Event Calendar to find the best fit for your family.
2. Discover library play spaces
Our three library locations have dedicated children’s spaces where your young ones can engage with interactive toys, puppets, games, literacy activities, and more. These spaces encourage storytelling, exploration and imaginative play, all key to developing literacy.
3. Use digital literacy tools
Develop early literacy and technology skills with our digital resources designed for kids:
- PebbleGO is a reading and research tool for Pre- Kindergarten to Grade 3. Learn about exciting topics like animals, science and dinosaurs. Includes text, audio, video and printable activities.
- TumbleBook Library is a curated database of children’s e-books. It includes unique animated, talking picture books, read-along chapter books, graphic novels, and much more. Recommended for ages 6-12.
- Our Library of Things collection offers Launchpads, pre-loaded tablets with apps, videos, storybooks, and games for kids.
4. Explore our collection
Families can pick out books to read together at the library. Our collection has a wide range of titles for any interest and age. Start exploring by visiting the myBPL catalogue or check out the Family Literacy Day 2025 book list.
5. Try a read along or decodable book
Build confidence and fluency with read along and decodable books, perfect for early or struggling readers.
Read alongs are print books that come with a ready-to-play audiobook inside, allowing kids to hear the words as they read along.
Decodable books are written in a way that allows children to practice these phonic skills, creating vital connections between letters and sounds.
6. Bring library books home
Create a multigenerational reading tradition by borrowing books for the whole family. Grandparents, parents and children can share favourites, discover new interests and spark storytelling traditions together. Taking books home makes it easy to integrate reading into your daily routines.
7. Ask for reading recommendations from staff
Not sure what to read next? Or does your little one have specific interests? Our friendly staff can help find the perfect titles for your family. Use our Next5 service or Monthly Reading Recommendations Email to receive personalized suggestions based on your family’s reading interests.
Short on time? Try Busy Bundles, where we hand pick books for your kids based on your preferences and get them ready for pick up.
By spending time at the library, families are naturally encouraged to explore books, participate in programs, and make reading a part of their routine, all of which strengthen family literacy.