Give a Book. Give Literacy.

September is Literacy Month: B.C. campaign sparks book sharing, community action and the ripple effect of literacy

Port McNeill, B.C. – September 2025 –This September, Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society (MWFLS) celebrates Literacy Month with a free book for children and Literacy Socks fundraiser at the Fall Fair and a new book drive.

Now in its 12th year led by Decoda Literacy Solutions, September is Literacy Month to raise awareness, raise funds, collect books, and support local literacy programs.

This year’s theme, “Literacy: The Ripple Effect,” highlights how stronger literacy skills lead to better health, safer workplaces, stronger economies, and more engaged communities.

“B.C. has some of the highest literacy rates in the country,” says Sandra Lee, Executive Director of Decoda Literacy Solutions. “That’s not an accident. It’s the result of years of investment in local programs—and a reminder of why continued support from government and communities, matters.”

As part of the month-long celebration, the #GiveABookBC initiative encourages people to donate books to community literacy groups, shelters and neighbourhood houses across B.C.

“This campaign shows how small acts—like giving a book—can spark big change,” said Lee. “We know that strong literacy skills create a ripple effect: they help individuals thrive, strengthen families, and build more resilient communities.”

How to Give a Book locally

You can donate a book to Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society during the #GiveABookBC campaign.

“Getting books into children’s hands is part of our mission,” said Kelly Anderson, Literacy Outreach and Mother Goose Coordinator at MWFLS. “It’s always tricky to find funding for books, so joining the #GiveABookBC campaign will help us stock up for future events and programs.”

On September 25th, you can bring a book to the Port Hardy Recreation Centre, 7440 Columbia Street, 5:30pm – 7pm. And throughout September, you can bring a book to ShopRite in Port McNeill.

"For Port McNeill folks, Shoprite has a 15% off deal. Let them know you are purchasing a new book for the Literacy Book Drive,” said Kelly. “There will be a bin there, too, that you can snap a photo with for Decoda’s content and then leave the book in."

What kind of books are needed? 

The Literacy Society is accepting:

• New books only

• Board books, children's books, teen books

• No Young Adult/Adult books, encyclopedias or dictionaries

• No used books, please!

You can also donate directly to the Society at canadahelps.org/en/charities/mwliteracynow and choose “Books for Children”.

Give a book and enter the contest!

Book donors can also email a photo of their book donation and the organization you gave to, to contest@decoda.ca to enter a draw for a $50 gift card from Decoda Literacy—just one more reason to give.

Free book for children at the Fall Fair

Visit the MWFLS table at the Mount Waddington Regional Fall Fair on September 6 and 7 at Chilton Arena in Port McNeill.

• Every child attending can choose a new book to take home!

• Find out about free learning programs for all ages.

• Buy a pair of fundraising Literacy Socks.

• Learn about volunteer and job opportunities.

The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society works with communities, schools and organizations to support literacy and learning for all ages on North Vancouver Island.

Visit the MWFLS website to learn about their free programs at: mwfamilyliteracy.org.

Follow @mwfamilyliteracy on Facebook for literacy news, programs and events.

Why It Matters: The Ripple Effect of Literacy

• More than 700,000 British Columbians face literacy challenges.

• Strong literacy skills reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, and lower crime rates.

• Children with access to books and reading at home are more likely to succeed in school—and life.

• A 1% rise in literacy rates can boost Canada’s productivity by 3%