The Sooke Public Library has joined a national literacy campaign, but not without their own little “twist.”
The National Reading Campaign launched the “What did you read today?” project mid-November, which had schools and public libraries ask readers what they mentally consumed for the day.
According to the National Reading Campaign website, the public awareness campaign is designed to make reading a top priority.
“What did you read today?” has two separate contests -- one for children and one for the general public.
For children, readers write what they read for the day on National Reading Campaign sheets, which are displayed and tweeted by participating organizations. From this contest, public libraries and schools can win $1,000 worth of new books for their library.
For adults, readers tweet to @readingcampaign, with the hash tag #whatdidyoureadtoday? for a chance to win one of 10 Kobo e-readers.
Sooke, however, deviated from the norm and merged campaign participation with holiday festivities.
According to Adrienne Wass, Sooke Public Library manager, staff have been building a pyramid of books to form a Christmas tree. In recognition of “What did you read today?” the tree is decorated with miniature campaign sheets detailing books read by local residents.
“We were posting “What did you read today?” sheets of paper on our bulletin board, and then I had the idea to do a Christmas tree,” Wass said.
“The tree is to celebrate reading and community. I think that’s really what I’m aiming for... to connect the community in a real simple, easy, free way.”
To participate, visit the Sooke Public Library on 2065 Anna Marie Rd or go to: www.nationalreadingcampaign.ca.