The Ontario Literacy Association Niagara chapter will be re-launching its presence at a free reading event Saturday, May 2 in Niagara Falls. This professional organization is dedicated to enhancing language and literacy experiences for individuals across the lifespan.

The “Spring into Reading Festival” will be held Saturday, May 2 at Kate S. Durdan Public School and Loretto Catholic Elementary School in Niagara Falls (drop in) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The two schools share a building and are located at 6855 Kalar Rd.

The festival, for children in preschool through grade 6, will include presentations by childrens’ authors Kari-Lynn Winters, Lee Edward Födi, and Tanya Lloyd Kyi with a special presentation by Aboriginal storyteller, Iskwé. There will be literacy-based activities facilitated by teacher candidates and displays of students’ work from both school boards.

Exhibitors on site will include Scientists in School, Carousel Players, Pegasus, The Lunch Lady, McGillivary and Associates – OT4KIDS, and the St. Catharines Library with A Different Drummer Books as the book vendor. Event sponsors include Bug-Lidz, QSP, Lamontagne Chocolate Bars Fundraisers, Youth University-Brock University, Heartland Forest Nature Experience.

Ontario Literacy Association Niagara is part of the International Literacy Association, and is made up of professors from the Faculty of Education at Brock University and Nipissing University, as well as teachers from Niagara Catholic District School Board and the District School Board of Niagara. The Ontario Literacy Association Niagara will be hosting future community, family and school events that will contribute to enriching teachers’ language instruction and the literacy skills of our local learners.