Northern Lights recipient – Calgary Reads

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Location: Calgary, Alberta

With libraries across Calgary closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Calgary Reads knew the need for access to books among children in low-income households was more urgent than ever. They pivoted their focus and volunteer base to develop the Books+ Pipeline initiative.

Schools and agency partners identified young families in need of books in Calgary and the surrounding communities. Then, Calgary Reads staff and volunteers prepared and sanitized bags of books, crafts and snacks to deliver to these families for free. Between March 14 and June 1, 72 volunteers delivered 4,574 books to 522 families in the Calgary area.

Literacy is an important human right, and books in the home are one of the strongest predictors of a child’s success in reading. Calgary Reads and their volunteers are ensuring that despite libraries and schools closing, children still have access to books that will enrich the rest of their lives.