What's Happening in Calgary, AB…

A love of reading can be installed in children at a very young age, and police officers are going into Calgary schools to do just that.

Entitled ‘It’s a Crime not to Read’, the program has 59 officers gong out into 20 elementary schools across the city to read to groups of students. The officer reads a book provided by the library, and afterwards, the children are given a chance to ask them questions about their job and what they do.

Started in 2002, the program has been delivered to 10,000 kids so far. Since attitudes are developed at very young age, it’s hoped that this will be there case here. It’s believed that hearing a book read by someone in a position they respect and admire will help them to want to do the same.

While not every officer feels comfortable in reading before a group of schoolchildren, those who decide to take part really enjoy it, and are impressed by the questions they’re asked.

The program receives funding from the Burnswest Foundation, and also several different Rotary Clubs throughout the city.

Promoting a program such as this can help to get the kids excited about it before it even starts. A poster printing company can create materials that can be put up in the schools to let the kids know the officers will be coming to read to them.