Every day we see lots of different text on television, on computer monitors, on street signs, in newspapers and magazines, and in letters and papers at work or school. Even on our cell phones, we text and see full words or abbreviations of words.
One estimate is that we read a few thousand words each day.
For the most part, we are able to choose what we want to read, and how much we want to read.
Literacy and reading skills are necessary in school, work and so many other areas of our lives. Reading books increases literacy, and surprisingly, your reading speed will increase.
At a public library, you can choose what you want to read, watch or listen to, and it won't cost you anything except the time it takes to get there.
When was the last time you visited your nearest public library? If you don't want to read a book, most libraries have magazines, talking books and other types of material. Most public libraries have computers that the public can use to access the Internet. There is something at the library for everyone.
For many of us, we use the excuse that we don't have the time to visit the library or to read then we do other things like watch television or spend time on the computer.
This month, for one day, try to turn off your television, your computer and your cell phone and visit your nearest public library to see what you might be missing. Ask a staff member at the library about all the services the library offers besides books.
Take the whole family to the library. If a day is too long to go without your toys, start by turning them off for only a couple of hours - or even an hour. Check the hours your local library is open on Lakeland Library Region's webpage www.lakeland.lib.sk.ca
Libraries within Lakeland Library Region are currently being challenged to a membership drive. Each branch is trying to get new patrons or inactive patrons in to their branch to become new members or renew old memberships. You can help by doing one little thing - visit a Lakeland Library branch.
Once you have your library card, did you know you can search the library catalogue and see books that are in every library in Saskatchewan, then you can request items to be delivered right to your nearest branch. Also, your library card is valid at every public library in Saskatchewan. Borrow from one branch and you can return to another. It's fun and it's free.
See you at the library.
