BY: MIWAKO CHANG
Whether you like horror, science fiction, or fact-filled encyclopedias, there’s no time like the present to get hooked on some good ol’ books! This year, Young Readers Week takes place from November 15th to the 19th. It is a time to recognize the importance of reading and serves as an opportunity to introduce young children to the joy of reading.
Did you know that this week was initially launched by Pizza Hut’s “BOOK IT!” program in 1984? It was inspired by the food chain’s former president, Arthur Gunther, whose son Michael had eye issues that made it difficult for him to read. At the time, US President Ronald Reagan wished to see businesses be more proactive in children’s education. Arthur, with the help of educators in Kansas, developed a program that ran from October to March, where children who met a monthly reading target would be awarded a Reading Award certificate and a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza. This delicious deal went on to become the largest and longest-running corporate-supported reading program. It was launched across the US in 1985 and garnered the participation of over 14 million students in 620,000 classrooms. It was endorsed by President Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton!
Young readers and their families can celebrate this week by heading to Downsview Public Library and exploring the KidsStop early literacy center, where their eyes are in the skies as they explore an old-fashioned plane model, cloud-shaped kiosks, and coins from around the globe. Parents and guardians can borrow the Let’s Get Ready for Reading guide, which covers topics that will help adults spark a love of reading in their children. Take part in the Ready for Reading program which provides a variety of different skill-building activities for you to engage in with your children, inside and outside of the library.
Looking for something to do in the comfort of your own home? Tune into Ready for Reading Storytime Live!, hosted by the Toronto Public Library. These 30-minute sessions are being held throughout November and get your children excited to start reading with fun stories, songs, and rhymes!
Reading builds confidence, encourages independence, and builds literacy and communication skills. Whether it’s a visit to the library or tuning in from home, now is the perfect time to spark that passion for reading in young children!
For more information, visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca