Literacy Matters Abbotsford
Welcome!
Literacy Matters Abbotsford is Abbotsford’s community literacy network. This is a membership of many organizations and programs including the Fraser Valley Regional Library, Abbotsford Community Services, University of the Fraser Valley, and Abbotsford School District to name a few. Literacy Matters Abbotsford is funded by Decoda, through the Ministry of Education (see Decoda for more information). The goal of Literacy Matters Abbotsford is to connect literacy services to individuals; to connect services to each other; and to address the literacy gaps in Abbotsford.
Storybook Walks
Storybook Walks have been created at Ellwood Park, behind the playground, and at Mill Lake Park, near Centennial Pool. A third walk is going up at Semá:th First Nation. The goal is to allow families to enjoy reading together while getting physical activity. The partners in this project include Abbotsford School District, City of Abbotsford, Semá:th First Nation, Abby Community School Society, and Literacy Matters Abbotsford. Make a plan to enjoy a storybook walk with your famuily.
Click here to see the photos of this project.
Learn About Series
This is our 3rd year of running a series for current residents of Abbotsford, people new to Abbotsford and people new to Canada.
In the past we have partnered with Clearbrook Library, City of Abbotsford, Fraser Health and Archway Community Services to provide information on the Abbotsford community.
There will be a session on the impact of early years on health and wellness in adulthood, PACE (Positive and Adverse Impact on Childhood Experiences) by Abbotsford's comunity health specialist, Abigail Kapting'ei, Fraser Health. This will be held January 11, 10:30 - noon. Click here to see the poster.
Please email to preregister for this free session: sharon@literacymattersabbotsford.com and you will then be emailed the link for this online session.
Read What You Love Community Reading Challenge 2022
Literacy Matters Abbotsford is holding their annual Community Literacy Challenge, “Read What You Love”. It will run from January 30 – February 19 , 2022. Check out our website, literacymattersabbotsford.com, to download your reading log. Fill in each day that you read to complete which will be your entry into a draw for prizes. All you need to do is read for 15 minutes each day. The reading challenge is open to all ages! The logs can be dropped off at the Clearbrook or Abbotsford library or you can send them electronically to sharon@literacymattersabbotsford.com.
The kick off for this event will be a free pancake breakfast January 25 hosted by Clearbrook Fire Hall at 32270 George Ferguson Way. Details will follow soon.
So join in on the fun and “Read What You Love”. Challenge your friends, families, classmates, and colleagues. Make the Literacy Matters Abbotsford’s annual Community Literacy Challenge a success!
If you have questions about this event, if you have prizes to donate, or you are interested in volunteering to promote literacy in Abbotsford please contact Sharon Crowley, Abbotsford Literacy Outreach Coordinator, sharon@literacymattersabbotsford.com
Reading Buddies Program 2021 - 22
This year's program will run from October 2021 - April 2022. It will be a virtual program on Zoom.
Reading Buddies is for children in grades 1 - 4 who need some practice with their reading. The Little Buddies are matched with a Big Buddy, a teen or adult, and they meet once a week. The goal of the program is to foster a love of reading.
If you are interested in having your child participate as a Little Buddy please click here for the application package.
If you are a teen, age 15 years or older, and wish to volunteer for this program as a Big Buddy please click here for the application package.
If you are an adult and would like to volunteer for this program as a Big Buddy please click here for the application package. Note that a current criminal record clearance letter will be required.
For more information email Monique Bond, Reading Buddies Coordinator: lmamoniqueb@gmail.com
APALS - Aboriginal Parents as Literacy Supporters
This program is for families with children ages birth to 6 years. The evening starts with a shared meal; a story time with an Elder; and a chance to create a craft and explore games. There is also a short session for parents on how to support their child's growth in literacy.
This program will start up again hopefully in the fall. Please contact sharon@literacymattersabbotsford.com for more information.
Trivia Challenge 2021
This year's Trivia Challenge was held September 23. It was held at the Highwayman Pub. Thank you to everyone that participated. Please save the date for 2021 - September 29. More information will follow.
A big thanks to our sponsors:
Ricky Skene
Clearbrook Library
Buy-Low Foods
Hand in Hand Child Care Society
Connie Friesen
Leslie Browy
Sonship Yacht Builders
Ritchie-Smith Feeds
Lois MacKenzie
Otter Coop
Highwayman Pub
Abbotsford School District
Decoda Literacy Solutions
CBC
Raise A Reader
Please contact sharon@literacymattersabbotsford.com if you have questions.
Indigenous Day Celebration 2021
The celebration cancelled due to Covid restrictions.