Celebrating World Book Day: Turning the Page on Literacy Gaps
On April 23, we join communities around the world in celebrating World Book Day - a day that honours the power of books and the joy of reading for all ages.
At the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, World Book Day is also a time for us to reflect on how literacy can open doors for children. Over the last 15 years, we have seen firsthand why it’s important to ensure every student has the opportunity to foster a love of reading.
For many young learners, especially those facing social or economic barriers, early literacy support can be the difference between falling behind or building a strong foundation for success. That’s why, with the donations of our generous donors, the Foundation’s work in supporting early literacy for Edmonton Public Schools’ youngest students is essential.
Classroom Libraries: The Building Blocks of Lifelong Learning
One of the most impactful ways our donors support early literacy is through our Literacy Supports pillar, which helps fund the purchase of books for classroom libraries. These classroom collections of high-quality, age-appropriate, and culturally responsive books provide students with easy access to stories that reflect who they are, and more importantly, who they can become.
“We chose to purchase a number of books that reflect the diverse cultures within our class communities. To see the smiles on our students’ faces as they picked up books with illustrations of children that looked like them was heartwarming and magical,” says Corene Zmurchik, Principal.
Classroom libraries create more than readers. They build confidence, foster imagination, and support learning at every stage.
A Community Investment in Literacy
To further promote literacy and celebrate the power of books, Jayman BUILT is showcasing Book Nooks in four of their show homes across the city. Each Book Nook showcases a cozy reading space and a collection of children’s books, all about moving to a new home, building community and exploring new neighbourhoods!
The Book Nooks can be found in the following showhomes:
- Desrochers Villages (3847 Dixon Way SW in the Alessi showhome)
- The Uplands at Riverview (2504 204 Street in the Holly showhome)
- Trumpeter by Big Lake (12844 211 Street NW in the Rockford showhome)
- Marquis / Marquis West (17212 2 Street NW in the Marquis West showhome)
Can you find our Book Nook?
Thank You
To every donor and partner who supports literacy in our schools: thank you. Your generosity helps create classrooms where reading is encouraged, celebrated, and accessible to all.
At the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, our mission remains clear: to level the playing field for children who come to school at a disadvantage. By supporting literacy through classroom libraries, students are empowered to dream big and reach their full potential.
Together, we are building the readers and leaders of tomorrow.
To learn more about how you can support literacy in Edmonton Public Schools, visit foundation.epsb.ca/giving/literacy-supports.