Celebrate International Literacy Day at Winnipeg Public Library

Man reading a book with a child
Reading together is the single most important way to help children get ready to read.

September 8 marks International Literacy Day, a day to remind everyone of the importance of literacy.

The library is a great place to build a love of learning, no matter what your age. From sharing stories with your baby, learning English, improving your reading skills, or simply wanting to connect with other readers, the library offers resources and programs to help build your literacy skills and become a life-long learner.

Build early literacy skills

Early literacy skills are the roots of reading success — and it is never too early to plant the seed! Talk, sing, read, write, and play with your child every day! Early Literacy programming at the library begins the week of September 21. From Baby Rhyme Time to Family Story Time, the library is a great place to connect. Visit the program guide to register for a nine-week session at a branch near you.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of early literacy and reading readiness, visit the Early Literacy Info Guide.

Explore recommendations for adult learners

Researching a topic and not sure where to begin? Librarians create helpful Info Guides on many different topics. These webpages bring together information and resources, making it easy for you to find what you’re looking for.

Our guides for Adult literacy & EAL Learners include resources for adult learners and educators, newcomers, and learning English as an additional language.

Find something to borrow - for learning or just for fun

Whether you’re looking to learn something new or enjoy a good story, we have many options to choose from.

Our A-Z Digital Library services provide collections for entertainment, learning a skill, researching a topic, and more! Looking to build your English grammar skills? Try Active Reader and Tense Buster to help boost your reading confidence.

If you prefer physical copies, you can borrow print books, including from our Adult Basic Education and EAL collections.

Looking to learn another way? You can use your library card to stream or download eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, and TV shows.

Child participating in a group program at a library
The library has programming for all stages of early literacy. Programming starts the week of September 21. Register today.

Join a free program

We offer programs of all kinds, for all ages, including programs designed especially for people who are learning English.

All programs and events at the Winnipeg Public Library are completely free.

Become a student at our certified Adult Literacy Program

Did you know that the library runs an Adult Literacy Program? It’s designed to help with English reading and writing skills. You can choose what you learn and set your own goals. We can help you with:

  • Reading, writing, speaking, basic math, and communication
  • Job skills, such as resume writing, job searching, and interview practice
  • Digital skills for using computers, email, internet, and apps
  • Prepare you for advanced programs and reach your personal learning goals

We run this program out of the Millennium and Harvey Smith library branches. There is no cost to attend the program, but you do need to register.

Children's area at a library
Visiting your local library branch is a great way to become a life-long learner.

Library services are for everyone

We are committed to making our library services welcoming and accessible. Visit Accessible Services to learn more about:

  • Physical and digital collections designed for different needs
  • Library computers equipped with helpful tools and software
  • Registration for eligible Winnipeg residents to borrow from national collections of accessible materials

Our City, Our Podcast

Want to know more about how we choose the books, movies, music, and digital materials available? Aileen Clear, Collections Librarian, takes you behind the scenes in the September 2026 episode of Our City, Our Podcast. She shares how we build a collection that reflects the many communities and interests of Winnipeggers, including materials in more than 20 languages and resources for all ages.

Happy International Literacy Day! See you at the library.

Libraries, recreation and leisure

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