Raise-a-Reader: Surrey and White Rock literacy-support program offers story walk kits for kids

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal News Raise-a-Reader: Surrey and White Rock literacy-support program offers story walk kits for kids Read Surrey White Rock has seven kits available for anyone to borrow. Author of the article: By David Carrigg Published Sep 20, 2026 Last updated 24 minutes ago 2 minute read Join the conversation Shanti Ang, executive director of the Read Surrey White Rock Society, hopes more people will use the society's story walk program. PHOTO BY READ SURREY WHITE ROCK SOCIETY Article content A family literacy charity in Surrey-White Rock is offering small groups, schools and event organizers a novel way to get young readers reading. Article content Shanti Ang, executive director of the READ Surrey White Rock Society, said the story walk lending program has seven kits that can be booked by contacting the organization’s family literacy coordinator at 778-242-7323. Article content Article content Article content “It was started by the Kellogg-Hubard Library in Vermont and got really popular during the pandemic because it is a naturally socially distanced activity,” Ang said. “It is meant to be outdoors. The idea is that it promotes reading together, being in nature, physical literacy and all those good things.” Article content Sunrise Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Story walk kits comprise a laminated sheet for every page of a children’s book, that are placed on a hard plastic backing and then strategically placed so that the participants walk from one spot to the next to read the book. Article content Ang said the average kit is around 30 pages. Article content One book featured is What the Seal Saw by White Rock author Sherry McMillan and artist Carla Maskall. Article content Ang said the kit lending policy is very flexible and open to family groups, non-profits or event organizers. Article content “They promote reading, outdoor activity, family participation and literacy. They can be borrowed for a day, a week or longer,” she said. “We don’t dictate how people use them. They can use them however they want.” Article content For example, one kit was used at a family picnic, while the Surrey Mobile Library kept two kits for a month and…