Here, we welcome silent readers, to gather in person to read in quiet camaraderie, and to share a bookish moment or two.
[Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter] Literacy... it's a game of use it or lose it
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In Canada, statistics tell us that nearly half the adult population reads at a lower than high school level. The reason for this is often linked to economic and employment well-being. And while correlation does not imply causation (low literacy does not cause poverty or lack of well-being), the links are undeniable. I don't need to tell you about the importance of literacy, Reader, but reading and literacy have farther reaching positive effects than a cozy hour of catching up on a favourite book. Overall well-being is significantly influenced and impacted by cultivating a level of literacy that promotes reading and learning new skills. It might be tempting to blame the education system, but the question of literacy is more closely linked to a use it or lose it situation. Here, another important takeaway is that with age, literacy levels are shown to decrease in our aging population, reinforcing the need for reading and skill-learning, long term. In Ottawa, we have a long list of organisations to support literacy and learning (see below). The majority of these provide opportunities to volunteer and be part of someone else's reading journey. If you have had the opportunity to work with the organisations listed below, Reader, I'd love to hear your story. Our own list of meetups offers a wide gamut of styles of venues and schedules to suit the preferences... to encourage you to come and read! So, pick up your book, join in a meetup with a handful of our closest introverted reader-friends 😉 and come help us foster reading and literacy. See you there! Warmly and bookishly, as always, · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks (ALSO) - Literacy and Basic Skills Cité (La) - Get SET (Skills, Education and Training) CNIB Deafblind Community Services - Ottawa Office - Literacy Program for Deafblind Adults John Howard Society of Ottawa - Employment and Training Services Le Centre Moi j'apprends - Ottawa - Literacy and Basic Skills Ottawa Catholic School Board - Admiral Ave - Adult Learning and Skills Development Ottawa-Carleton District School Board - Continuing Education Department People, Words & Change Rideau-Ottawa Valley Learning Network - Literacy and Basic Skills Further reading & resources...
· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · APRIL 2026 MEETUPS 📆 Rather than a list of meetups, perhaps you'd prefer a calendar page. 📝 All meetups are available for signup here. ⭐ = NEW!
· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · How does a reading meetup work?
Make your experience fit your vibe
· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter If you received this email from a friend and would like to subscribe, please click here. |
Silent Book Club ~ Ottawa Chapter
Here, we welcome silent readers, to gather in person to read in quiet camaraderie, and to share a bookish moment or two.
October 2026 Hello again, Reader ~ Please forgive the second email at the outset of this month.In listing the meetup information, I was a bit quick on the 'Enter' key and the 'Send' button. A couple of small errors slipped in and the list below has them corrected.Warmly, and of course as always, bookishly, ~ nicole · · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · · Please note... Our meetup list is growing,so please make sure to scroll down the the list of meetups below,to take note of the time and date changes...
October 2026 photo cr: UnSplash (Roman Khramov) Greetings, Reader ~ Fall colours are peeking into view and, as many say, they'll soon be peaking too! For now, in our part of the world, yellows are stealing the show, along with whispers of red. Soon, there will be a burst of golds, reds, and oranges too, from the green belt to the Gatineau hills, and everywhere in between. For some, Autumn is all about the colours. For others, it's about being the true New Year. We're one month in (as...
September 2026 ph. cr.: UnSplash (Heather Newsom) Hello, Reader! Short and sweet for this month's newsletter: I wanted to share that I have been thinking about cheerleading, championing and supporting, when it comes to the things we take on, both in our life in general and specifically in our creative lives. We express deep respect by our supportive actions, when those we care for dive into big dreams and big plans. First, if they have chosen to share those plans and dreams with us, we take...