Everyone knows that nothing passes time like a good book. Now, a local literacy program is making sure that books are available when they're needed the most — in waiting rooms.
Read While You Wait is a CALL (Community Access to Literacy and Learning) program promoting valuable reading opportunities. Members of the community are able to enjoy books while waiting for service at doctor's offices and other waiting areas.
The books are easy to find. Just keep an eye out for the program's brightly coloured Butterfly Book Bins. They were built by inmates at Mountain Institution, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, and filled with books from the Agassiz branch of the FVRL along with Agassiz-Harrison Community Services.
Debbie Lamberger, CALL coordinator, said "children who are exposed to books tend to do better in school, are healthier, go farther in their education and are more successful in life."
Having the book bins placed strategically around town will help everyone gain access to books.
"Many people can’t afford books, don’t know the value of reading, or even have trouble reading," she said. "This program provides another opportunity for community members to have access to books.
The read while you wait program uses new and gently used quality books. People are able to borrow a book, take a book or leave a book.
"If taken, it is likely that the book has gone home to be read and loved," Lamberger said.
If you would you like to have a book bin in your waiting room, CALL Debbie at Agassiz-Harrison Community Services, 604-796-2585.