Winnipeg, MB - Today, the newest Family Literacy Playground was launched at the Millennium Library.
“Today’s public libraries are no longer a place where children must be silent - Family Literacy Playgrounds encourage families to have fun and learn at the same time,” said Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, Chair of the Standing Committee on Protection, Community Services, and Parks. “I’m proud to support this initiative as another way the City of Winnipeg’s programs and services meet the evolving needs of the community.”
Family Literacy Playgrounds are interactive, educational activity structures and panels that support parents and caregivers as they develop the early literacy skills of their young children. They provide support for early learning and contribute to the school readiness of young children by encouraging the playful use of literacy and numeracy skills.
“This interactive installation is part of our continuing efforts to create children’s spaces where play is a vital part of the learning process,” said Rick Walker, Manager of Library Services. “Play is key to early childhood literacy and critical to a child’s healthy development in all areas of school readiness. Learning through play contributes to our libraries as destinations of fun and discovery.”
Supporting the development of early literacy skills in young children through increased investment in materials, services and programs for families, child care providers and educators is one of the goals of the Library’s five-year 2015 - 2020 Strategic Plan.
“The Winnipeg Foundation is pleased to support this fun community learning space,” said Richard Frost, CEO of The Winnipeg Foundation. “Early literacy skills help a child develop the foundation necessary to thrive. The new Family Literacy Playground involves parents and caregivers in the learning experience, which strengthens the family bond and helps further develop that foundation. Support for this important project is possible thanks to our generous donors.”
The next branches to receive Family Literacy Playgrounds will be the Henderson and St. James-Assiniboia Libraries. Family Literacy Playgrounds are already available at the Charleswood Library (6-4910 Roblin Boulevard) and the Fort Garry Library (1360 Pembina Highway). For more information visit Winnipeg Public Library.
The Millennium Library project was generously funded in part by a Community Grant from The Winnipeg Foundation.