Melfort Library celebrates Family Literacy Week (Photo courtesy/Melfort Public Library, Facebook)

By NortheastNOW staff

Family Literacy Day

Celebrating and encouraging literacy

Jan 26, 2023 | 5:10 PM

Family Literacy Day is coming up and Melfort is being represented on the main stage.

On Jan 27, Saskatchewan will celebrate Family Literacy Day with special events featuring a prominent book from the northeast.

“It’s basically to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities, as a family,” explained Melfort Public Library head librarian, Rene Chambers.

“As a library, our job is to promote literacy in the community, and so this is just a special week that we use to focus more on fun ways to get families together, get them reading, and develop some online awareness.”

Starting at 10:00 am, the book Li’l Shadd: A Story of Ujima will be read via live stream across the province.

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Li’l Shad tells a fun yet educational story based on an early Melfort settler, Dr. Alfred Schmitz Shadd.

“He was very involved in the development of our community,” said Gailmarie Anderson, curator of the Melfort & District Heritage Museum. “It’s really nice to have him acknowledged in this way and to present his story in some way to schoolchildren across the province. I’m very happy that the Saskatchewan Literacy Network has prepared this and that it will be shown across the board.”

The main character accompanies his father to tend to a baby girl near Stoney Creek but it coincides with his birthday. The story explores family, community, and culture.

The reading will be followed by a question and answer period across Saskatchewan to help celebrate the theme of Family Literacy Day: “Celebrating your Heritage.”

“Just to take time to explore and learn about your heritage, celebrate what you find and share your culture with others,” added Chambers. There’s no better way to learn about your family than together as a family.”

Not only will the day feature a special story from the northeast, but Anderson has sent some voice recordings and materials down to Regina, to coincide with the authors of the book.

Anderson was originally supposed to travel down but decided to stay home due to the recent inclement weather.

As for the library, they will help kids celebrate their heritage, through their own reading materials.

“Our library is full of books that kids can explore their heritage from all countries, as well as Canada, and we’d be happy to help kids look for books and as a family, come in and check it out,” Chambers said.

“We have lots on display right now as well, and we have a diverse community, so I’m sure we have something that would fulfill anyone’s search.”

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