The weather this winter has been perfect for curling up and reading a good book.
Now the City of Selkirk and Frontier College have partnered once again so that our youngest readers can curl up in the comfort of their homes and read with others during three virtual read along sessions in celebration of I Love to Read month.
The virtual read alongs will take place on Feb. 10, 23 and 27th through Zoom with a special guest reader each time.
“The city partnered with Frontier College last year at the Selkirk Port D.O.G Days Market at the Waterfront with a reading tent and it was a big success,” said Ellie Longbottom, the city’s Culture Coordinator.
“The virtual read along allows kids to interact with the guest reader and with other kids while improving their reading skills. It’s just another way the city has adapted to still be able to offer important programming throughout the pandemic.”
On Feb. 10 Kaitlyn Lightfoot will be the guest reader of Keep Up, Katmai. The read along starts at 7pm. Molly’s Magic Door author Kirsten Link will read her book on Feb. 23 at 7pm and Feb. 27 at 2 pm.
When the virtual reading is over, the guest reader will give the participants follow along instructions for a craft they can do right then and there or on their own time.
The love of reading goes outdoors
On Feb. 13 we’re going to bring the young readers outside for Drive-Thru Story Time at the Waterfront. Kids and their guardians can walk or drive along the Waterfront loop and read enlarged pages from Slug in Love from 1-3 pm.
When kids reach the end of the story they’re given a free book to take home as well as an activity kit.
Sandra Ross, Community Coordinator for Frontier College, said inspiring young people and nurturing a love of reading is one of their goals. The reading tent in the summer was a success and she loves the virtual read alongs and the drive-thru.
“Reading aloud to children and engaging them in books year-round not only increases their success in the classroom but fosters a love of reading and an expansive imagination,” Ross said.
The city is hoping to expand on safe, in-person programming and events for 2022 but is prepared to continue to offer socially distanced at home options as well.
“We have a great community here in Selkirk and we’re so happy that the virtual programming has been so successful. We’re grateful for the many partners including Frontier that have helped in making this all possible,” Longbottom said.
Registration is free and includes a book and a craft that will be delivered right to your door if you live in Selkirk – contact free. Register HERE today
