The Importance of Book Ownership

Alberta Author Book Fair 2010
As a child, I frequently rode my bike to the County of Strathcona Library and came home with a backpack of books. I remember the glorious luxury of having time to read a book a day. Another memory takes me to a toy store at the Sherwood Park Mall. I bought a book on birds that led to a lifelong interest in nature. It also helped me in my first paid writing job--a story I'll save for another day.

Book ownership is important, especially for children. Ownership reinforces the message that reading is a valuable pastime. Ownership motivates kids to read and read more frequently. What message do parents send if willing to purchase DVD movies but not books?

As children change and grow, returning to a cherished book is a nurturing experience. Books expose readers to new perspectives as well as offer entertainment. Unlike television and movies, books challenge the mind. Readers imagines scenes based on written words rather than acting as passive observers. If you are trying to encourage reading, expose the children in your life to all genres and styles of books.

"Parents who have books in the home increase the level of education their children will attain," reports Science 2.0 in its article Owning Books Makes Your Children Smarter.

The International Reading Association offers brochures to help parents, caregivers, and educators encourage reading. Topics include:

• Getting Your Child Ready to Read
• Supporting Your Beginning Reader
• What Kids Really Want to Read
• Reading, Writing, and Technology
• Getting Involved in Your Child’s Literacy Learning

In 2009, the Stony Plain Public Library kindly hosted its first "Buy a Book for Someone For Christmas" event. We are repeating the event in 2010, but renaming it the Alberta Author Book Fair. It is sponsored by the Writers Guild of Alberta and the Stony Plain Public Library. This is the public's chance to meet new authors and familiar favorites.

Authors will sell and sign titles for both adults and children. Signed books make gifts that are extra special!

Alberta Author Book Fair

Monday, November 29

6:00- 8:00 PM
Stony Plain Public Library
4613 52 Avenue

Participating Authors:

• Barbara Galler-Smith
• Dar Renner
• Eileen Bell
• Roxanne Felix
• Billie Milholland
• Erika Knudsen
• Joan Marie Galat
• Karen Spafford-Fitz
• Leanne Myggland-Carter
• Linda Goyette
• Lyle Weis
• Marty Chan
• Mike Boldt
• Molly Anne Warring
• Nicole Luiken
• On Spec Magazine
• Patricia Brine
• Pauline Holyoak
• Roberta Laurie
• Tyler Enfield

Recommended authors in other parts of Canada:

http://www.jacobberkowitz.com/
http://www.claireeamer.com/
Cora Lee
Etta Kaner