Literacy skills are needed every day

NEW GLASGOW - Literacy means so much more than picking up a favourite book and slipping into another world.
It has health implications, is the cornerstone of education and should be explored every day to strengthen vocabulary and skills.
"Literacy and reading is not like riding a bicycle, you need to practise it every day," said Eric Stackhouse, chief librarian of the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library.
He said about 38 per cent of Nova Scotians fall into a category of literacy that makes it difficult to function day to day or compete in today's economy.
It can affect people's everyday lives in many ways from reading and interpreting directions on medications, to following recipes for healthy meal preparation or seeking job opportunities.
Literacy begins from the time people are born and continues across an entire lifetime.
"As a public library we consistently want to remind people about the importance of literacy," said Stackhouse. "The whole community has to celebrate it, get involved, care about each other and show why it is so important to us."
Several events are planned throughout the county today to mark national Family Literacy Day, which takes place each year on January 27.
Stackhouse said literacy could also be a stress reliever when you take a moment to relax and read.
To locate a Family Literacy Day activity near you visit the upcoming programs and events link at www.parl.ns.ca.