With summer days ahead, kids and families can look forward to enrolling in the BC Summer Reading Club (BC SRC), a free program available online and at public libraries in communities throughout the province.

“There’s nothing like setting out on an exciting new adventure with your favourite storybook characters, all while stretched out reading under a tree in your backyard, nearby park or sitting in a comfy chair in your local library,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Library programs like the BC Summer Reading Club provide free, local or online literacy resources children and families can access anywhere in the province.”

Public libraries throughout the province are hosting both virtual and in-person BC SRC activities and programs in July and August, encouraging kids and families to connect with their local library and community. Registration for the program is open for young readers aged five to 14 years. They can register by visiting their local library in person, on the BC SRC website or with the Online Reading Tracker.

The BC SRC inspires kids to develop a love of reading and lifelong learning by making reading a part of their summer activities. The program encourages kids to read every day and track their reading progress. Kids may read any kind of books they enjoy, including storybooks, information books, graphic novels or comic books in any format or language, including audio books. All forms of reading count, including listening to someone else read or tell stories.  

As kids complete reading challenges and track their progress online, they will earn digital badges and will unlock clues to “Crack the Case!,” this year’s reading club theme, featuring artwork from Vancouver-based illustrator and cartoonist, Zoe Si. Children can also participate in weekly themed activities including contests, videos, quizzes and more.

The BC SRC is co-ordinated by the British Columbia Library Association and public libraries, with support from the ministry’s Public Libraries Branch and CUPE BC.

Quotes:

Rebecca Burbank, chief librarian, Powell River Public Library –

“From book clubs to rocket launching, the BC Summer Reading Club is an active series of programs that encourage curiosity and develop a love of reading. Anticipated by families and local schools, BC SRC programs and activities build the relationship between children and our library. BC SRC fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment that connects kids to books and builds their confidence with reading.”

Stephanie Usher, provincial co-ordinator, BC Summer Reading Club –

“The BC Summer Reading Club is excited to continue to offer its Online Reading Tracker that was made possible through last year’s generous contributions by the provincial government. With a stronger digital presence, the program increases its accessibility for children and families across the province. B.C. libraries have been hard at work and are thrilled to be able to connect with their communities after last summer’s uncertainties, and we extend an invitation to all children and families to help ‘Crack the Case!’ at bcsrc.ca – and beyond.”

Chris Middlemass, president, British Columbia Library Association -

“BC Summer Reading Club is an extraordinary, inclusive and diverse library program that supports literacy, reading and summer fun for families across the province. This well-loved program would not be possible without the ongoing commitment from CUPE BC and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C., through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, provides $65,000 annually to support the BC SRC.
• In 2020, the Province provided an additional $65,000 to develop online registration and a platform for online activities for the BC SRC, to help ensure the safety of British Columbians during the pandemic.
• The BC SRC has been in operation for almost 30 years, with over 85,000 children registering for the program each year and more than 100,000 participating in library activities all summer long. 
• There are 71 public libraries in B.C., 247 service locations and six library federations, serving 99% of B.C.’s population.

Learn More:

Kids and parents can watch a video about this year’s theme, register for BC SRC and access the Online Reading Tracker here: https://bcsrc.ca/

Watch a video of the Minister of Municipal Affairs welcoming kids to participate in the program: https://youtu.be/VYkXOJzuPH0

Learn more about local libraries: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/publiclibraries

For a French translation: https://https://news.gov.bc.ca/24760