LITERACY – City and community partners encourage family literacy

The annual Beem Credit Union (formerly Interior Savings) Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week will take place Jan. 24–31, 2026, in support of Family Literacy Day® on Jan. 27.

Families are encouraged to:

• find a healthy balance between sedentary screen time and active family time
• connect more with each other
• spend at least 15 minutes a day doing an activity together that builds literacy skills

The week is an opportunity to take a break from electronic devices and reap the health benefits of connecting with friends and family.

“It’s a wonderful reminder to slow down, spend meaningful time together, and focus on what really matters,” said Brian Harris, CEO of Beem Credit Union.

Since the program began 15 years ago, close to 9,000 students have participated annually in the Beem Credit Union Unplug and Play Student Challenge.

“Spending time together as a family strengthens relationships and supports a lifelong literacy journey.  We promote family literacy as a way for families to connect with each other and to discover ways to connect with their community,” said Jodi Lebourdais, chair of the Unplug and Play Committee and Literacy in Kamloops Program Coordinator.

The week begins with a morning of activities geared to families with children aged five and under at the annual ABC Family Literacy Day on Sunday, January 24, at the John Tod Centre Kamloops Y.

Other events include the annual Family Magic Show; Learn, Sing, and Play the Métis Way; Taiko Drumming; and Youth Board Game Cafe. Community partner organizations are offering free pickup and take-home kits as well as in-person and virtual activities.

The City of Kamloops will host four events:

• a free public swim at Westsyde Pool on Jan. 24, 1–4 p.m.
• a free public skate at Valleyview Arena on Jan. 28, 5:45–6:45 p.m. or 7–8 p.m. (registration required)
• a free family sport night on Jan. 29 at Beattie Elementary School, 5:15–6:45 p.m. (registration required)
• Unplug and Play with Rocks! on Saturday, Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m., at the Kamloops Museum and Archives (by donation)

To find the schedule and for more information on registration, visit LiteracyinKamloops.ca, the Kamloops Unplug and Play Facebook page, or pick up a schedule at any Beem Credit Union location in Kamloops.

Registration links for the public skates and the family sport night are also available at Kamloops.ca/Events.