Celebrating Family Literacy at the New Aaniin Library Branch

Celebrating Family Literacy at the New Aaniin Library Branch

It’s never too early to get kids reading. Good reading skills transfer to success at school and success in life. By encouraging reading during the preschool years, we can boost pre-literacy skills, encourage a love of reading and lay the groundwork for lifelong use of the library.

“We know one of the most important things you can do with a baby or child is read together and share stories,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “It is critical to development and sets children up for success at school and throughout life. A love for reading also leads to cherished bonding time with our most precious young residents. I hope this new card will encourage all, not just children, to pick up a book and invite imagination into your lives.”

To encourage and support families in the habit of reading, Markham Public Library is introducing a new initiative called the Ready to Read library card. The new card has been designed with our youngest library users in mind. This will give us valuable information to help us better assess our Early Years strategies. It will allow children five and under to check-out children's books without accruing fines for overdue items – eliminating financial barriers for low-income families. 
You can make a difference volunteering for Reading Buddies! As a volunteer, you will be trained to help children improve their reading skills and spark a love of reading. Click to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Markham Public Library.

Get your Ready to Read library card at any Markham Public Library branch starting Family Literacy Day (January 27)!