Community Corner Newsletter
Reading can't wait
With our 18th Big Book Sale canceled again, Calgary Reads is reaching out to you—our passionate supporters of early literacy. What we’ve heard from families and the learning community is that children need books, family reading and reading support more than ever.

With the loss of the sale and critical dollars we were counting on to help us ensure children have the reading essentials they need this year, we ask you:
1. If you would have spent $30 or $50 at the book sale, would you consider making a donation of the same amount?
2. If you would still like to share the joy of reading with someone in your life, would you consider one of these gifts available at our Little Red Reading House:
Dark collection
Baby book bundle
Family membership
Here’s how your donation will help us raise readers and create change:
Book Bank

Gives children furthest from opportunity their very own books through our partner agencies. Last year, our Book Bank delivered 50,000 books to local children.
Reading Support

In a year of interrupted learning, children need help to become strong readers. Programs such as wee read and e-wee read sr, now available virtually, help us support children & families where they are.
Safe, fun reading spaces

Our reading spaces at community agencies help young families experience all the benefits of reading together and help children discover the joy of reading.
A Globe & Mail article
Image courtesy of Globe & Mail
What is one thing we can do about children's reading loss during the pandemic? Put a book in their hand!

Along with a handful of literacy advocates, Calgary Reads' CEO Steacy Pinney contributed to this important conversation about how we can help children overcome learning loss & succeed in school & in life through literacy.
We're honoured to be considered a 'Bright Spot'
What an honour to be recognized as a 'Bright Spot' in 2021 by the Grade-Level Reading Campaign. This last year, our Book Bank, Book+ Pipeline and wee read programs have ensured children continue to access books and support at a time when they need it most.

Our own GLRC network has become the 3-6-9 network--a collaboration of organizations committed to ensuring children aren't left behind in these critical years as they move from:
  • becoming school-ready at three
  • to learning to read at age six
  • to reading to learn at age nine

Learn more about the important conversations we're having with our community in our 3-6-9 Series.
Join our 3-6-9 Series talk on June 16th
Almost three years ago, Calgary Reads became the first organization in Canada to host the LENA Start program. LENA combines wearable technology and parent classes to measure and promote parent-infant interaction and readiness for school.

Over the years, dozens of families have benefited from these simple insights about how early talk with babies can help develop speech and language skills, and improve children’s futures.

What have we learned about the impact of this unique program? Why is this work especially important right now? Hear from LENA Manager of Business Development Operations Caitlyn Stafford on Wednesday June 16 at 3:00 pm MS.

We’ll also discuss how LENA Start and other initiatives have a role in the collaborative new 3-6-9 Series and Lever, which–along with Vibrant Communities Calgary and other partners–aims to reduce poverty and support children furthest from opportunity in Calgary.

Calgary Reads |105, 105 12th Avenue SE |Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 | calgaryreads.com