Are You and Your Children Reading Enough?
“Oh the places you’ll go.” Dr.Seuss reminds us all we can go anyplace we choose. Reading is one of the best ways to get where we want to in life. Books are an educational and motivational tool like no other and open up the mind to endless possibilities.
In 1981, three passionate women wanted to give this world of opportunities to Alberta’s general public. A world of opportunity known as the Marigold Library System. Marigold was created with the mission to have a collaborative library community. The system provided support and a range of quality library services.
At the time of inception, Premier Peter Lougheed shared that this library system would enable municipalities to provide an improved service to citizens. He also thought the system would serve as a model for other provinces as it was the first library system of its kind.
The three women who worked selflessly to create greater public library access. They were Gaye Ross of Drumheller, Lucille Dougherty of High River and Edith Helton of Three Hills. Gaye Ross was a nurse and City Alderman here in Drumheller and was very involved in the community. For example, she was part of arranging the planting of trees and installation of lights along the streets of downtown Drumheller. She also served two terms as a Councillor.
Therefore, as inspiring community leaders, these women have created a lasting positive impact for Alberta. The Marigold Library System now serves 44 municipalities and over 300,000 people. Marigold has expanded to offer Internet and email. This is evidence Marigold values engaging with citizens through multiple touch points and wants communities to learn, grow and innovate through literacy and technology.
“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.” Let’s all read, learn and grow so that we can see the places that our society will go!
All citizens should be involved in their local library. Libraries are are interactive gathering places to create community connections and provide programs and services to citizens. Some of these initiatives include sharing library events, services and programs through social media and word of mouth. As the library fosters life-long learning and a love for reading for all ages, all citizens should be part of their local library.
Furthermore, the need for fostering an environment that encourages reading, particularly for children, is evident. First Book Canada, an organization that provides educational resources to children in low-income families to help them thrive, shares that 25% of Canadian households do not own a single book.
Through not-for-profit organizations such as the Marigold Library System, we are able to help our children have access to books. It would be wonderful to continue seeing people take advantage of the opportunity by becoming involved with the library. Through reading, event participation or volunteering, anyone can be involved. As well,it is inspiring to see leading corporations such as McDonald’s advocating reading. Through their Happy Meal partnership with Kids Can Press Publishing and First Books Canada they are increasing readers.
Therefore, as communities lets come together to create an educational and engaged literacy environment. I would like to share, “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.”
So let’s all read, learn and grow so that we can see the places that our society will go!
As HCM Lifestyle is about sharing inspiring ideas and stories to ‘Help Us All Become A Better Version of Ourselves,’ we wanted to share these reflective and helpful thoughts with you. Share your favourite book or ideas on how to get more people to read with HCM Lifestyle – email hcmlifestyle@gmail.com
Lastly, thank you for being part of the inspirational journey with HCM Lifestyle. HCM Lifestyle is on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and Twitter @hcmlifestyle. Connect with us and be part of the inspirational journey every step of the way.
By HCM Lifestyle’s Madison Colberg
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