International Literacy Day: September 8, 2019
In 1965, UNESCO declared September 8 to be International Literacy Day. During this time people and organizations world wide highlight and celebrate the importance of literacy. While literacy rates have been improving, there is still much work to be done globally.
This year's theme is Literacy and Multilingualism.
How will you be spending International Literacy Day? Toronto Public Library offers a wide variety of programs and there is something for everyone! Perhaps you are interested in improving your health and wellness or attending an author talk.
For those who are interested in money matters, there are several personal finance programs at our branches across the city, covering a variety of topics from protecting yourself from scams to getting out of debt.
Would you like to enjoy some free family time at the library? There are many fun and informative programs for kids and teens available that will interest youngsters of all ages.
Whether you read in English, Urdu, Chinese or another language, Toronto Public Library has many resources to choose from. Our language collection is available at many branches throughout the city. You can also check out eBooks in a variety of languages through our OverDrive database or enjoy reading magazines and newspapers online through PressReader. Find out more and get started.
If you would like to brush up on your speaking skills, you can attend ESL programs at the library or borrow one of our many books, CDs and DVDs. Interested in improving your reading or writing skills? Check out the library's Adult Literacy program for free tutoring to English-speaking adults who are interested in improving their basic reading, writing or math skills.
Aligning with UNESCO's focus on literacy, learners from adult literacy programs across Toronto, wrote stories that were showcased in Line By Line Sharing Ourselves & Our Stories. You can borrow a copy from the library or download the PDF version today!
Related posts:
- International Literacy Day – A Focus on Skills Development (2018)
- Sept 8 is International Literacy Day (2017)
3 thoughts on “International Literacy Day: September 8, 2019”
Thank you so much for a great blog, Rachelle, celebrating the United Nations’ International Literacy Day, and for highlighting the multitude of ways to be literate! I am truly fortunate that I will be reading whatever English material I choose today, from newspapers to novels, and attempting some French and Italian, too! You may be interested in Daniel Pennac’s brilliant “The Rights of the Reader:”
https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/detail.jsp?Entt=RDM1115856&R=1115856
Hello Muriel, thanks for your comment. I just placed a hold on Daniel’s book. I am really looking forward to reading it!
Thanks for your comment Muriel. I just placed a hold on Daniel’s book. I am really looking forward to reading it!