I Love to Read in PJs returns to Gaynor Family Regional Library
From reading street signs to writing the next hit novel to come out of the Interlake, literacy is an important skill. To celebrate I Love to Read Month, United for Literacy has teamed up with the City of Selkirk as well as the Selkirk and District Community Foundation to host I Love to Read in PJs every week of this month at the Gaynor Family Library. This program not only shows kids that our local leaders value their learning to read, but also that reading can be fun.
Photos from last year’s I Love to Read in PJs
“The I Love to Read in PJ’s events are a way for us to help inspire the love of reading, and give positive experiences to lead to lifelong enjoyment of books,” said Sandra Ross, Community Coordinator (Manitoba) for United for Literacy.
These weekly events are aimed at children ages 5 to 9 and their parents or guardians and are free to attend with registration.
“Each week, we have a guest reader who reads the featured book to the participants, and the children are encouraged to come up and join our reading circle with our guest reader, and to follow along in their book,” explained Ross.
Not only do the kids get a story time evening, but they also get their own copy of the book from that week, as well as a related craft/literacy activity to take home. There are also small snacks that will be available at the event.
This is all taking place since February is I Love to Read Month in Manitoba.
“It’s an annual celebration of literacy in Manitoba. It was started in the early 1980s as a response to the International Reading Association. They put out a call to host events in February to foster the love of reading. It’s kind of just built from there,” explained Ross.
I Love to Read in PJs programming has been taking place since 2022.
Selkirk’s Mayor Larry Johannson feels that it’s important that I Love to Read month programming like this takes place in schools and the library to support our local kids’ learning.
“I’ve had the privilege of reading in Selkirk classrooms many times, and every visit reminds me just how curious and engaged the kids are. I really enjoy connecting with students and seeing their excitement when a story comes to life. It’s something special. We’re also very fortunate to have the Gaynor Family Regional Library here in Selkirk. They do incredible work inspiring young readers and supporting families, and I’m grateful for everything they bring to our community,” he said.
If you do decide to sign up to be part of this program, there are four sessions that take place each Thursday in the month, starting on Feb. 5. You can sign up for each session individually.
“The program runs from 6:30 p.m. to usually we’re finished by 7:15 p.m. with it. We do require parents or caregivers to be in attendance with their children, and it gives them a great opportunity to do something with their kids, especially in the dead of winter,” said Ross.
In her experience, it is important to show kids that adults think literacy is a priority too. She explained that we use literacy in so many places in life that we might not even realize, for instance, getting a prescription from a doctor and taking the medication properly is something many people do without considering that they are using their literacy skills to read the label..
“By giving the children the tools they need early in life, and to really develop that love for reading, and instill that love for reading, it’s something that’s so positive for them,” said Ross.
To sign up for I Love to Read in PJs, visit the City of Selkirk’s website at https://www.myselkirk.ca/selkirk-loves-to-read/. There will be an online registration form that adults will have to fill out to sign their kids up.
If you’d like to follow what United for Literacy is up to in our area beyond February, they also have other events throughout the year. They do reading circles at Ruth Hooker School for Grade 3 and 4 students. They also welcome residents to Selkirk Park in the fall for a Halloween walking story, and, in the summer, they set up at the Selkirk Port Market in their reading tent to help decrease some of the literacy loss that students experience when they are out of school for the summer.
Ross hopes that the kids who attend these events have a great time and advises that parents sign them up early.
“We’ll take registrations up until the day of the program, but definitely register early so that the kids aren’t disappointed,” she said.
Johannson hopes that parents and guardians come out and connect with reading and each other at this event.
“Our Reading in PJs evenings are something families look forward to every year. We’re really fortunate to partner with the Gaynor Family Regional Library, the Selkirk & District Community Foundation, and United for Literacy to offer free, fun programming for kids in our community. When families come out, they get a snack, a craft, a book to take home, and they get to hear stories from some local celebrity readers. It’s a simple event, but it brings people together and celebrates what makes Selkirk such a strong, connected community,” he said.
