On Tuesday Jan. 22nd soccer star Carl Valentine from the Vancouver Whitecaps read to 60 excited Grade 3 and 4 kids from Brighouse elementary as part of Richmond Public Library’s National Family Literacy event.

“Family Literacy Week is held every year across Canada to celebrate the importance and fun of reading together as a family, and the library has put together a new collection of some of the best books you can share with your kids,” said librarian Cindy Kloos.

“We also have lots of fun activities happening so bring your whole family to the library.”

On Friday Jan. 25, the library will offer a free, drop-in sign language storytime from 10:30 - 11 a.m.

“Children and their caregivers can learn to sign words useful for daily communications, as well as learn the sign language for some well-known children’s stories and songs,” added Kloos.

On Saturday Jan. 26 at 11 a.m., author Sundari Francis-Bala will talk about her experiences in India and read from her book Olly Jolly Says Count Your Blessings. Both programs take place at the Brighouse (Main) Branch in the kids’ place, 7700 Minoru Gate. For more information call 604-231-6412.