The sound of giggles and storytime songs fills the children’s area of the Boyne Regional Library every Thursday morning as families gather for Book Buddies — a preschool literacy program that has become a cornerstone of early learning in Carman.
Hosted by the Carman Family Resource Centre, the free drop-in program runs weekly from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and welcomes parents and caregivers with children aged newborn to five. Each session blends music, rhymes, storytime, and play, creating what organizers call “a gentle introduction to learning.”
“We’ve always partnered with the library in some way,” said Michelle Bergsma, executive director of the Carman Family Resource Centre. “When the building and renovations were completed, we looked forward to having a regular program there — but just as they opened, everything shut down.”
When pandemic restrictions lifted in spring 2022, the library was the first stop for the centre’s return to in-person programming. The response from families was immediate.
“It was so successful that we adapted our popular Kit & Kaboodle program to create Book Buddies,” Bergsma said. “It’s now become one of our most consistent and well-loved programs.”
Now entering its fourth year, Book Buddies operates from mid-September through mid-June, offering roughly 37 sessions each year. The format stays fresh through songs, games, and hands-on activities that promote literacy and social development.
At the end of each session, children receive a craft bag and snack to take home — and occasionally, a free book. The program is facilitated by Bergsma with support from childminder Shauna Oughton, ensuring every gathering runs smoothly.
“We really try not to cancel the program,” Bergsma said. “Families plan their week around it. It’s a warm, welcoming space where kids can learn and caregivers can connect.”
The program’s success is made possible through grants and community donations that sustain the Carman Family Resource Centre’s outreach. No registration is required, and participation is free.
“Book Buddies shows what happens when community spaces work together,” Bergsma said. “It’s about giving children a love for books and giving parents a place to belong.”
