Winnipeg's libraries are hoping kids will make time for reading over their summer vacation. 

Registration for the annual TD Summer Reading Club opened on Tuesday at all Winnipeg Public Library branches. Children up to age 12 are invited to visit any library branch to register and pick up a free bilingual reading kit that includes activities and a calendar to track reading time.

“The TD Summer Reading Club is a fun and unique way for children to improve their literacy skills,” Sherri Rollins says. Rollins is the Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks. “I encourage all families to get involved to help reduce summer learning loss and support reading.”

Children can participate anytime and anywhere, from their local libraries or online. Participants explore recommended reads, track their own reading, collect reading incentives, and write stories and book reviews.

Pre-readers can also join the club by being read to by their parents, siblings, or caregivers. Reading aloud to pre-school children supports early literacy skill development and improves school readiness. The club runs until Friday, August 23. Reading kits are bilingual (English/French).

Teen Summer Reading Challenge, for youth in grades 7-12, returns with the popular Challenge Card, featuring fun activities suggested by members of our Youth Advisory Councils.

For details on all the Summer Reading Clubs, programs and special events, visit Winnipeg Libraries online or stop by any Winnipeg Public Library branch.