Through the Reading Street initiative, funded by TD Bank Group, the P.E.I. Writers’ Guild is inviting community groups, booksellers, libraries, schools and the general public to apply for one of several $500 micro-grants to celebrate family literacy.
Reading Street is a community event focused on promoting literacy across the Island.
In previous years, Reading Street has brought authors and readers together in a market-like atmosphere. However, partly due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year, Reading Street will consist of a series of smaller events in both Charlottetown and Summerside – communities where there are partner TD Banks located.
Anyone interested in applying for one of the Reading Street micro-grants is asked to submit a proposal online by Sept. 21.
“The goal of Reading Street is to promote reading and literacy as a fun, accessible priority for the whole family,” said Christine Gordon Manley, the guild’s interim president of the Guild. “So, applicants should keep that in mind when submitting their proposals. We’re encouraging groups and individuals to consider how they can contribute to Reading Street and apply. We want October to be full of events that celebrate reading, sprinkled over our two largest centres.”
Executive director Mo Duffy Cobb said the events can be any reading-themed activity.
“A games corner for kids, a reading nook for families, author readings, a participative craft or a cultural stage, featuring literacy- and storytelling-related performances, such as programming from Acadian, First Nations and BIPOC communities.”
All Reading Street events must take place in October.
In addition, a COVID-19 operational plan must be included for any event that requires a public venue.
