February 2021 | RDPL eNewsletter
 
 Do You Read Canadian?
On February 17, the second annual 'I Read Canadian' Day is taking place all across the country. This event is even more important than ever, in a time when we could all use something to bring us together!
 
The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of Canadian books and celebrate the richness, diversity, and breadth of Canadian literature. On February 17, we challenge you to "Read Canadian," and we would love for you to share photos of what you are reading — tag us and use #IReadCanadian on social media!
 
Here at Red Deer Public Library, we've decided to celebrate Canadian authors and illustrators all month long! Read on to find out more…

I Read Canadian BINGO Challenge
We are excited to introduce our "I Read Canadian" BINGO challenge for all ages (and yes, there will be prizes up for grabs!).
Download the BINGO sheet from our website or pick up a paper copy with your holds, and send it in to programs@rdpl.org by the end of the month for a chance to win.
(P.S. We've included staff picks and other Canadian reading suggestions at the end of this email to help you complete your row!)

Kits to Go: Library programs you can take home!
Today we released a limited number of “I Read Canadian” Family Kits, available for pickup at all locations during curbside pickup hours. Each kit includes a game, crafts, and lots of other activities to celebrate Canadian children’s book authors and illustrators (and you get to keep the RDPL bag too!). Come by and grab one while they last (call ahead before you make the trip: 403-346-4576)!
 
Missed this one? Don't worry! We have new kits coming out all the time. For more information about our Kits to Go, visit www.rdpl.org/programs/KitsToGo. 
 

Family Fun Storytime
This month’s Zoom Family Fun Storytime theme is Canadian authors & illustrators. Join Miss Deb and Miss Shannon to hear some of their favourite Canadian picture books on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. on Zoom. Email programs@rdpl.org to register!
 
Read Outside Your Comfort Zone
Our “Read Outside Your Comfort Zone” Facebook group encourages you to branch out and explore new genres, themes, and authors, with a new reading challenge posted every month. This month’s challenge, of course, is to read a Canadian book! Join the group to discuss your reading selections with fellow Red Deer Readers and (hopefully!) discover some great new reads. 
Check out our online calendar or February Program Guide to see all of our upcoming virtual programs!

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Children's Picture Books: List One | List Two
Recommended picture books written or illustrated by Canadians to celebrate #IReadCanadian! Our list was so long, we had to break it into two parts!
 
Children's Chapter Books: List One | List Two
Recommended chapter books written by Canadian authors. Once again, there were too many great ones to choose from, so we made two lists!
 
Children's Non-fiction
Love to read nonfiction? Check out these great information books for kids written by Canadian authors!
 
Canadian Mystery Authors (Adult Fiction) 
These mystery authors were all born in Canada or became Canadian citizens. Some of their books are set in Canada and others have an international flair. All of them will result in a great read!
 
Award Winners
There’s a reason these books have won awards! Scroll down to the “Canada” section on our Awards page to see all of the different Canadian Book Awards for all ages, with titles listed right in our library catalogue so you can easily place holds for pickup.
 
Canada Reads Finalists
2021 marks the 20th edition of Canada Reads, CBC's annual literature competition between books championed by well-known Canadian personalities. The debates will take place March 8-11. Check out this year’s nominees, or explore some of the awesome Canada Reads books from previous years.
 
Photo via CBC Canada Reads

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