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Discerning readers are encouraged

Okanagan Regional Library in Vernon is recognizing Literacy Week with a number of events
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Local residents are encouraged to read to their children.

North Okanagan residents are being urged to fight fake news by embracing all forms of literacy.

As part of Literacy Week from Jan. 22 to 29, Okanagan Regional Library is asking people to discern what information is reliable and useful.

“Recognizing that a story on your Facebook feed might not be true is the first step, but knowing how to look up the facts to confirm or disprove your suspicion is the real trick,” said Stephanie Vollick, youth services librarian at ORL’s Vernon branch.

“Google and Wikipedia are fast, easy and good first steps, but more reliable information can be found in data bases. Wherecan you start? The library’s e-resource page provides access to those with a library card.”

Digital literacy tips are available through a number of resources, including:

Basic computer tutoring for seniors (offered free by Junction Literacy at ORL)

E-book and audio book training (offered free by ORL)

Video tutorials for specific software and photography (offered free by ORL through Lynda.com)

Computer science classes (offered for a cost at Okanagan College, and WordPress has meet-ups at the library)

Resume assistance (offered by Community Futures)

“To better navigate the media, it is essential to have basic literacy skills,” said Vollick.

“Reading and writing are vital in the information age. To help ensure that the next generation has these abilities, as parentsand caregivers of young children, you can read to your kids and bring them to free community programs where reading,rhymes and healthy play happen.”

Parents can also play games with their kids and sing.

“Give them the opportunity to talk by asking questions about everything around you,” said Vollick.

“These simple activities can have a big impact on vocabulary, brain development, critical thinking, colour recognition, mathskills and more.”

Celebrate Family Literacy Week at the Vernon library by attending the Scrabble Meetup Jan. 26 or the preschool puppet showJan. 27. You can also learn about helping kids prepare for kindergarten at Kickstart to Learning at Okanagan Boys and GirlsClub Jan. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.