91̽»¨app

I Love to Read Month, Le mois plaisir de lire is an annual, month-long celebration that promotes and encourages reading in schools, libraries, homes and communities throughout Manitoba. The International Reading Association states that “the ability to read, write, and communicate connects people and empowers them to achieve things they never thought possible” (2020).  Reading, like most things, improves with practice, therefore we need to read widely and extensively.  When we begin to see ourselves as readers, we develop more positive attitudes toward reading for personal enjoyment. Leisure reading supports the social and collaborative nature of learning and encourages each of us to share our own understanding, as well as value the opinions of others.

During the month of February, our classrooms and school libraries participate in a variety of activities that foster a love for reading which include school-wide assemblies, DEAR (drop everything and read), reading challenges, read-a-thons, book swaps, mystery readers, author visits, book tastings, outdoor Storywalks®, flashlight Fridays, and virtual read-alouds.  Not only do these activities and special events promote the many ways to be literate, but they also provide opportunities for students and staff to enjoy sharing stories as a community of readers.   

Teacher-librarians and library assistants in our school libraries play an active role in enriching the lives of readers of all ages by fostering a love of reading in our schools and communities.  In 2023, 91̽»¨app school and professional libraries circulated over 600,000 physical and virtual books across the division – which translates into more than half a million picture books, fiction books, graphic novels, non-fiction titles, periodicals, ebooks and audio books that were shared among our students and staff over the past year.  

The Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg also provides a calendar of daily activities for students, educators, and families to “explore different ways of engaging with literacy.”  This year’s I Love to Read calendar theme is “Our Voices are Unique.” The reading activities included on the calendar reflect this year’s theme and encourage students “to recognize the importance of being their true selves and sharing their stories.” Reading helps us to establish our personal identity and brings us closer to the lives and experiences of others.

Our participation in annual events such as I Love to Read Month, Le mois plaisir de lire celebrates the joy of reading and highlights the importance of literacy skills acquisition for everyone. Happy Reading! Bonne Lecture!