Literacy Matters Abbotsford

Welcome!

Literacy Matters Abbotsford is Abbotsford’s community literacy network. This is a membership of many organizations and programs including the Fraser Valley Regional Library, Abbotsford Community Services, University of the Fraser Valley, and Abbotsford School District to name a few. Literacy Matters Abbotsford is funded by Decoda, through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs  (see Decoda for more information). The goal of Literacy Matters Abbotsford is to connect literacy services to individuals; to connect services to each other; and to address the literacy gaps in Abbotsford. 

Upcoming

Visit our Home Page regularly to learn new about our programs, community involvement and upcoming events below!

Welcome Deb!

Please welcome Deb Varnes. She has accepted the position of Literacy Outreach Coordinator beginning in October. Deb comes to us with over 30 years of teaching and an equally long career in various volunteer positions. She has an amazing grasp of literacy and learning. Deb has been part of the Abbotsford community and is looking forward to partnering with others to embed literacy in the community.  We wish Deb all the best as she begins this new adventure. Welcome Deb!

Reading Buddies Volunteer Registration OPEN

Please visit our Volunteers page to register for our Reading Buddies program, under Reading Buddies / Volunteer Application Forms (mid-page). Reading Buddies is a program of Literacy Matters Abbotsford, Abbotsford’s community literacy network. This program supports children in grades 1 to 5 who are working to improve their reading.

Big Buddy volunteers are matched with Little Buddies for a one-on-one weekly session at the library. Within the one hour sessions, Little Buddies discover the joy and fun of reading while building their confidence; Big Buddies act as mentors while fostering a love of books in the children.

Follow our new Instagram account @readingbuddiesabby to be in touch with our Reading Buddies Coordinator, Monique

Thank You for Supporting Raise-a-Reader Week! 

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for being a part of Raise-a-Reader (RAR) Week, which took place from September 20th to 27th, 2024. Your support was immensely important in helping boost literacy efforts in our community.

Every donation made a big difference, and with the help of a government grant, your contribution went even further! Together, we’ve created a lasting impact and empowered future generations through literacy.

Thank you for making a difference!

Thank you for Celebrating Literacy Month with Us!

We are deeply grateful for your participation in Literacy Month! 

Your involvement, whether through reading, supporting local literacy initiatives, or spreading awareness, has helped shine a spotlight on the critical role literacy plays in our lives. 

Together, we’ve fostered a love of learning, opened doors to new opportunities, and strengthened the foundation of our community. Your dedication and enthusiasm have made a lasting difference, and we can’t thank you enough for joining our misson!

Thank You for Attending 'Stetís ímexstowx - Walk Beside Us'

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who joined us on September 30th for Stetís ímexstowx - Walk Beside Us, the second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event. Your presence at Thunderbird Square and Civic Plaza played a vital role in honoring this important day of reflection, healing, and unity.By walking beside us, you demonstrated your commitment to truth, reconciliation, and the ongoing work of acknowledging the histories and experiences of Indigenous Peoples. Together, we took meaningful steps toward fostering understanding and strengthening community bonds.Thank you for standing with us in solidarity, and for helping to create a space for dialogue, respect, and connection. We look forward to continuing this journey together.

Thank you, Community Partners!

This commemorative gathering was made possible thanks to the collaboration of dedicated community partners, including:

Story Walk Live

“Story Walk Live” is a partnership between Literacy Matters Abbotsford and Abbotsford Children’s Theatre and is designed to celebrate the art of storytelling. Each page of the stories is laminated and posted so community members can enjoy it, either reading it at their own pace or listening to a narrator who will bring the story to life in a dramatic and engaging way. We hope to encourage a love of reading and plan to participate with Scampers (a summer literacy camp sponsored by Abbotsford Community School Society), Go Play Outside (an Abbotsford Parks and Recreation initiative), and the Truth and Reconciliation event at Civic Plaza. We look forward to other opportunities to share with the community. 

We offer “Story Walk Live” because we believe in the power of the spoken story and its capacity to strengthen a love of reading. We know that family literacy is one of the strongest links in promoting learning in families (Decoda.ca) and that strong literacy skills can help children succeed. We also know that reading to children can be a special way to connect and bond with them. We cannot understate the value of storytelling.

Thank You to all the staff at 

The Bookman!

The Bookman generously donated several gently used children’s books for distribution in the community.  As we, here at Literacy Matters Abbotsford work to support and enhance literacy and learning in our community, we are grateful for supportive corporate partners like The Bookman.  Every book makes a welcome addition to a child’s library and nurtures that child’s love of reading.  Thank you to the wonderful staff at The Bookman.  Your generosity is most appreciated.