Whether you are young or old, a New Year and a new book go hand in hand. In these uncertain times the CMLibraries is working to provide reading and entertainment materials to all our patrons in a safe and supportive way.
While we wait for further direction from our public health unit, we will move back to offer curbside pickup if needed. Book bundles for children and adults are always an option! You can find the link to our digital form on the main page of our website.
The CMLibraries will again make literacy a focus for the year. In 2021 we were able to support many learners with summer tutoring, literacy based activities, take home literacy board games, as well as participating in the Peterborough Family Literacy Day event. As well, we now offer decodable books for a variety of levels. Not familiar with decodable books? This type of text can help to support emerging and struggling readers, as well as those with reading disabilities. These texts contain words that are easily decoded and have limited phonetically irregular words (words that are not easily decoded, such as words with silent letters). With the success of our summer tutoring program, we also began offering an after school tutoring option. This has allowed students to receive direct one-on-one support in a targeted literacy area. What type of literacy based programs and activities would you like to see developed this year?
January programming will focus on getting outside and enjoying the amazing public spaces that the Township of Cavan-Monaghan boasts. Outdoor Story Adventures will be available at the Millbrook branch. Enjoy a picture book and some targeted literacy tasks while enjoying the great outdoors. Each story will stay up for two weeks to allow for repetition. Repeated readings help to improve reading comprehension and fluency. For younger readers you can follow a read and repeat approach. Use a stick or item to help track the words as you read and then have your reader repeat trying their best to match the text to their speech. With older readers you can have them work on adding expression and improving the pace of their reading. A simple book can allow for the refinement of a variety of skills. Bring a growth mindset and anything is possible! It’s challenging to write this in mid-December not knowing what to expect in relation to COVID protocols for January. If you are looking for up to date programming and event details visit our Facebook page.
As always there are more details and activities available in our monthly newsletter, available in print format at your local branch or on our website. For more information follow our Facebook page (@cavanmonaghanlibraries), our website: cmlibraries.ca or call your local branch (Bruce Johnston Branch: 705.741.1253, Millbrook Branch: 705.932.2919).
By Melanie Crouch, Coordinator of Programming, Partnerships, and Outreach
