Staff and students at Roseau Valley School in Dominion City went above and beyond to celebrate literacy during the month of February's I Love To Read Month. Counting reading minutes and guest readers in schools were popular as usual throughout the month of February.

"We took the normal tracking reading minutes to another level this year by getting the kids to make reading goals instead of counting minutes, teaching them about goal setting to help them throughout life. Goals varied from grade to grade with ideas like reading and mastering a novel for the first time, reading for punctuation, and even reading publicly to be a strong speaker," said Roseau Valley School Literacy Teacher Tandy Doyle.

Doyle went on to say that the students also visited seniors homes in the area, the students read to the seniors to create a connection and keep them involved in the community.

Roseau Valley School held a fun day to wrap up the month of February and to reward the kids for their effort during I Love To Read month. Throughout the day there was street hockey, sledding, a wiener roast and stories told by Leanne Kehler.

Jennifer Mauger Librarian for Roseau Valley School in Dominion City says working with the kids this year has been great, noting this years theme Dr Seuss went along well with the schools March musical coming up called "Seussical" and the birthday of Dr Seuss which is February 24th.

"He turned 113 this year, I know lots of teachers have focused activities around Dr Seuss like reading books and making crafts. We also have a large Grinch in the hallway and we had to work to grow his heart by doing simple acts of kindness, all playing into the theme and I Love to read month. The staff and students really stepped up this year, I have really seen everyone grow together in literacy here at RVS. Also there was a definite increase in book check outs.

Mauger went on to say that the Winkler Flyers, and Leanne Kehler storyteller were visitors this month in the school. Students also did a stop, drop and read throughout the month of February along with other personalized classroom activities.

South Central Regional Libraries received a similar reaction to the organizations first ever I love To Read event.

"This is the first time our libraries have worked together on a February I Love To Read event, because the schools always do such a great job. However the idea came after hearing comments made by older students and adults that they would also like something more age appropriate to celebrate. So we did I Love To Read Bingo in an attempt to catch the attention of older students and adults, Said South Central Regional Libraries Director Kathy Ching.

Ching went on to say that the response was very good and that the event was available to all ages. Ching also mentioned that getting older students and adults into the libraries has been a challenge in the past and that technology has played a very key role in the depreciation of attendance numbers and those signing out books.

Although the organization has come to the realization that kids are reading on their hand held devices and tablets. Ching explained that the organization is now looking for a modern way like e-books to connect with older students and adults in the future.