A lack of basic literacy skills is the biggest barrier to personal well-being and community growth, said Lil Mack, Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy board director during a presentation to city council Tuesday at its regular board meeting.
"The things that go unnoticed by so many of us in our day-to-day life are not just scary, but also dangerous to those who have difficulty reading," Mack said.
For 20 years the region has benefitted from the efforts of CCPL, but for every success story there are still people who cannot read, she said.
In the Williams Lake area there are individuals who struggle with reading warning labels on products, understanding instruction manuals, finding store sales or street signs, comprehending finances or maneuvering through the justice or health systems.
Mack said CCPL volunteers are not alone in talking about literacy and essential skills.
"We are part of whole community that is seeking the value — even the critical importance — of strengthening skills for everyone."
After her presentation, council unanimously approved a request by the CCPL to proclaim Jan. 22 to 29, Family Literacy Week in Williams Lake.
The week will honour community programs that promote family literacy all year long.
They include Strong Start, story time at the library and Scout Island, Tumble and Play and free interactive events and family festivals that are supported and promoted by local business and service organizations.
Family Literacy Week culminates with the annual Family Fest at the Gibraltar Room, slated for Sunday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Family Literacy Week promotes the important role families play in their children's learning and development, Mack said.
"Family literacy refers to the way parents, children and extended families go about their daily lives and how they use literacy at home and in the community," she said, noting it occurs naturally during the routines of daily living and helps children get things done.
This year the province of B.C., for the very first time, is proclaiming Family Literacy Week, Mack said,
"Williams Lake is way ahead of the curve on this one, so yay for us. And I know this council has our back."