Literacy at Sheep River Library

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Bernard Schlink's 1998 novel The Reader tells the story of an illiterate young woman's struggle to function in the world. We see how she arranges her life to survive without having to ever read or write and the lengths to which she goes to ensure that nobody discovers her secret. It is a source of continual shame that she cannot read the stories she loves to hear read to her. Some find it hard to believe that in this day and age, with the access to education for all, there are still those who are considered to be illiterate. In June 2000, Statistics Canada and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released the final report from the ground-breaking 1994 International Adult Literacy Survey. It disclosed that almost 50% of Canadian adults can't work well with words and numbers. The survey showed that 22% of Canadians have difficulty reading and have few basic skills or strategies for decoding and working with text. 26% of Canadians read but do not read well. Canadians at this level can deal only with material that is simple and clearly laid out. 33% of Canadians can read well but may have problems with more complex tasks. This level is considered by many countries to be the minimum skill level for successful participation in society. 20% of Canadians have strong literacy skills, including a wide range of reading skills and many strategies for dealing with complex materials. These people can meet most reading demands and can handle new reading challenges. The survey also showed that the higher a nation's literacy skills, the more likely its population is to have healthier habits and lifestyles. Those with higher literacy skills tend to be more involved citizens who participate in their communities and in society. Literacy is also linked to economic success. Literacy levels determine the kind of jobs people find, the salaries they make and their ability to upgrade their work skills. Literacy also contributes to society's overall economic and social performance. Literacy is not a fixed asset. It operates on the 'use-it-or-lose-it' principle. Like muscles, skills can deteriorate if not used. Those who read, write and use numbers regularly have higher literacy levels. Education strongly influences literacy but is not the only factor. Some less-educated people who practice their literacy skills regularly have higher literacy levels than well-educated people who do not practice their literacy skills. But the most important factor identified in the survey is that the earlier a child is exposed to reading the less likely they are to have problems with literacy as they get older. Early exposure can also help with early detection of problems that can hinder literacy development such as dyslexia or eyesight problems. The Sheep River Library in partnership with Literacy for Life offers several programs for pre-schoolers of all ages to get children on the right track long before they darken the door of a school. Children are introduced to reading and word recognition through a variety of fun and interactive activities. Check out the library for the session that would best suit your child. All courses will be run again from January to May.

“Happy is he who has laid up in his youth, and held fast in all fortune, a genuine and passionate love of reading.” ~ Rufus Choate