The path to a strong community runs right through the computers at local libraries and literacy programs.
It’s at those workstations where libraries and literacy programs help bridge the digital divide with sessions in computer basics, email and social media — perhaps to seniors or newcomers to Canada — which open up a world of possibilities for exploring information, and connecting with faraway friends and loved ones.
And that’s the kind of loose, often unrecognized learning — called informal and non-formal learning — that public libraries and literacy organizations in the province are highlighting as part of the week leading up to ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Family Literacy Day, Jan. 27, which will be celebrated at the Creston and District Public Library on Jan. 26.
“This is at the heart of what literacy programs and public libraries do – and that’s support community-building,” says Brenda Le Clair, chief executive of Decoda Literacy Solutions, which leads a literacy network that reaches over 400 communities in B.C.
It might be often taken for granted, but informal and non-formal learning — from parents reading to their children, to friends offering tips on downloading ebooks at the library — is a vital contributor to ongoing community health and prosperity, says Le Clair.
Simply consider the thousands of workshops, discussion groups, readings, training and tutoring sessions that happen each day in public libraries and literacy programs around the province.
“This is learning on a truly impressive scale – and it’s available for free,” says Sandra Singh, chief executive and chief librarian at Vancouver Public Library, who notes a body of research on the importance of informal and non-formal learning. “It makes an amazing difference to our communities and their quality of life.”
At the Creston and District Public Library, for instance, local programs include Ask Andrew (a Saturday morning drop-in computer help program), Readers Are Leaders (a volunteer run reading program for elementary school children), YXPress (an arts and social program for teens), Facebook and ebook workshops, an annual tax help program, the National Film Board Film Club and more.
“We really want to recognize the value — and the power — of this kind of learning,” says chief librarian Aaron Francis. “It takes place all the time, and in so many different ways. It contributes to the economy, and it’s so important to building and supporting strong communities.”
Informal learning and literacy are closely connected: reading, singing, playing games and talking with a child help build language skills well before the youngster starts in school, for instance.
Research shows that reading to children more than once a day has a positive impact on their future academic skills, says ABC Life Literacy Canada, citing Statistics Canada data.
“This year, we want to celebrate Family Literacy Day with some informal learning,” says Linda Steward, community literacy co-ordinator for the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy. “Cooking your favourite recipe with your friend or child is a perfect activity. Or explore a new recipe with a cookbook from the library: the informal learning starts the moment you start to uncover the range of cuisines to explore.”
Celebrate Family Literacy Day at the Creston library on Jan. 26 from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., with snacks and entertainment for all ages. Chief Jason Louie from the Lower Kootenay Band will share Ktunaxa stories, Elena Yeung and Peter Bodley will provide musical entertainment, and librarian Aaron Francis and guests will present a special story time.
— CRESTON AND DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY