DIDSBURY - A new program at the Didsbury Municipal Library, family storytime, is getting off the ground thanks to an assist from the local ATB branch, which donated $2,000 for the program.
Monique Fiedler, library manager, said that with the funding from ATB the library will be able to run five six-week pre-literacy family storytime sessions throughout 2020.
“These storytimes will be geared to families with children aged zero to five years old and will be focused on helping children acquire the five essential pre-literacy skills of reading, writing, playing, talking and singing,” said Fiedler. “These skills will help foster a love of reading.”
In addition, every family will receive a free board book to take home at the end of the six-week session to help encourage reading at home, added Fiedler.
“As of now, there are few programs offered to young families on the weekend and many working families are not able to attend the programming for young children available through the week,” she said. “Along with helping young children gain foundation skills, the program is designed so that parent and child participants can connect with other members of the community in an inclusive, relaxed and fun space. It facilitates a sense of community and connection between participants.”
Laurie Klassen, branch manager for Didsbury ATB, said the branch was happy to help out. They also did a book fair to help raise money for the library.
“ATB is very pleased to support our local community library,” said Klassen. “We are very focused on supporting our community and the library’s family reading program was an easy yes.”
