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Bright Red Bookshelf helps children read

Take a moment to notice one of the big red bookshelves filled with engaging children’s books next time you are at the mall, the arena or another public building in the city.
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Sir Read-A-Lot (left) and Leah Blokland show how easy it is to donate to or borrow books from the Bright Red Bookshelf.

Claire Schreiner

Special to the Tribune

Take a moment to notice one of the big red bookshelves filled with engaging children’s books next time you are at the mall, the arena or another public building in the city.

You will probably see a child and adult quietly enjoying some reading time together.

The Bright Red Bookshelf program provides new and gently used children’s books for families at various places in Williams Lake.

During the month of April, the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy is holding a book drive because we always need more children’s books to keep the bookshelves full.

More than 3,000 books were circulated in 2010. Children can use the books at the Bright Red Bookshelf locations or take a book home to enjoy with the family.

The benefits of reading in the life of a young child are well documented and have long lasting effects.

Young children need a variety of literacy skills to become successful readers when they enter school.

Research indicates that children who enter school with more of these skills are better able to benefit from the reading instruction they receive when they begin school. Reading to babies and young children opens whole new worlds to their eager minds.

The bookshelves are located at Atwood Clinic, Boitanio Mall, Cariboo Eye Care Clinic, the Child Development Centre, Ministry of Children & Family Development, Court Services, the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Centre and the Gymnastics Club. Books can be donated at these locations as well as at Curves on Oliver Street and local elementary schools.

Please help make reading a regular part of every family in Williams Lake.