The Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy (GVAL) is giving young avid readers new opportunities to engage with reading and writing. With the help of Hillside Centre, they hope to create new readers along the way.
From Feb. 17 to 23, visitors can embark on a literary journey through four StoryWalks, authored by local youth from Victoria and surrounding municipalities. In each, children and parents can follow a path through the mall adorned with posters, each representing a book's page.
Upon completion, participants can claim a complimentary literacy goodie bag filled with activities to encourage reading and writing.
Several other organizations will also host literary events at Hillside throughout the week.
“Ten important local literacy organizations have joined forces to make literacy fun for families,” said Denise Baillet, a volunteer with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. “We hope this event will spark a love for reading and learning that transcends generations.”
Superheroes of Victoria, costumed heroes that facilitate literacy tours through local schools and libraries, will parade through the mall before hosting story time at Bolen Books. Story time sessions will be held Monday, Feb. 17, and Sunday, Feb. 23, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
On Monday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 22, a GVAL information booth outside the Hillside Centre Walmart will feature games and activities for all ages, including pen pal writing, family tree mapping, preschool math, digital literacy, story making, cartoon workshops, “old school” newspaper writing, and a calligraphy and cursive session.
Participants can enter to win a free book from the Imagination Library, a book-gifting program devoted to inspiring young readers.
