Power Up Your Literacy Skills

The library is celebrating literacy to raise awareness on the importance of literacy and the need to develop these skills to thrive in today's world. From numeracy to digital literacy, cultural literacy to emotional literacy, explore the many forms that exist beyond traditional reading and how the library supports them. 

Literacy is really complex and made up of many forms. Discover the many different types of literacies and use your library membership to develop these skills and knowledge for success. 

Cultural Literacy

The ability to understand and participate in the cultural aspects of society. Culture is how a group of people lives. It includes their language, arts, science, beliefs and practices, and their understanding of their environment. (source: ABC Life Literacy Canada)

Life Skills/Learnings: Browse the library for art and culture resources and celebrate heritage months through programs and book collections created to promote empathy, diversity, inclusion, and to enrich personal and community identity. Plus, visit the library during our Culture Days celebrations.

Digital Literacy

The ability to use technology to communicate information by understanding different forms of information technology; evaluating it, and having the technical skills to communicate the information. (source: American Library Association)

Life Skills/Learnings: Access the library suite of digital resources and learn about digital technology and software applications to help develop personal and professional skills. Try out a LinkedIn Learning course and stay informed with the latest news on Pressreader and NYTimes. 

Emotional Literacy

The ability to recognize, understand, express and manage your emotions. Vital for mental health, building strong relationships, and effective communication. (source: Canadian Mental Health Association)

Life Skills/Learnings: Use your library membership to access Lifespeak, a virtual platform for total well-being, helping you navigate daily life, managing stress, making decisions, and feeling more at ease.

Financial Literacy

The ability to gain skills and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about managing money and being responsible consumers. 

Life Skills/Learnings: Browse the library for books and resources to manage your finances; learn what it takes to start a business and connect with other small businesses through our programs and events. earn the ins and outs of money from saving, spending, borrowing, and investing; and developing skills in problem solving and critical thinking to analyze and manage financial choices through. 

Health Literacy

The ability to obtain, read, understand, and use health information to develop skills and make informed decisions concerning health care, disease prevention and health promotion.

Life Skills/Learnings: Browse the library for health and wellness resources to help you improve or maintain good health; understand medical instructions, build food and health awareness among communities, including healthy living for seniors.

Information and Data Literacy

The ability to read, analyze, interpret, and communicate information and data to have a better understanding of information and data knowledge skills. (source: Stats Canada)

Life Skills/Learnings: Access the library's digital databases for academic research and get information on consumer reports and business and multilingual resources to help you stay informed. 

Media Literacy

The ability to recognize different forms of media, critically evaluate the message they are sending, and create messages of your own. 

Life Skills/Learnings: Browse the library for resources and information on evaluating what you read, listen to, and watch. Discover book collections on how to evaluate media sources and content, and how to recognize bias and misinformation. 

Musical Literacy

The ability to read, write, and understand music notation and theory. 

Life Skills/Learnings: The library supports and celebrates creative expression by fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation within the community through our programs and special events for all ages. This enhances cognitive development, creativity and emotional expression and helps members appreciate various music genres and traditions.

Physical Literacy

The ability to move within a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments and understand the benefits and dangers of having an actual life. Being safe and developing the necessary motor skills for certain activities, e.g. flexibility for yoga. (source: the International Physical Literacy Association)

Life Skills/Learnings: Borrow sports and recreation items from the Library of Things collection to help you stay physically active, foster lifelong participation in physical activities, and enhance your overall well-being. Plus, explore programs that promote physical literacy through the City of Richmond Hill.

Reading, Writing and Numeracy

The ability to read, write, and develop math skills. Key to developing core foundational skills for daily life. Also includes oral language development and communication.  

Life Skills/Learnings: The library offers a wide variety of materials and programs in reading, writing, and numeracy, including: book clubs, writing workshops, collections, STEAM kits, ebooks and audiobooks, and more; all fundamental to foster a love of reading and succeed in daily life. 

Science Literacy

Science literacy is the knowledge of science, as well as the scientific framework that people use to make decisions based on facts and research.

Life Skills/Learnings: Browse the library for resources and information to help make informed decisions on science topics like health, technology, and environment. Discover how to build skills with Artificial Intelligence, books on climate change and conserving the Earth and how you can reduce waste by borrowing rather than buying through the Library of Things collection. 

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Our digital resources library offers a variety of search and sorting features so you can read, watch and learn. Develop a wide range of literacy skills with credible, trusted sources, and access from home anytime. 

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