Family Literacy Week has quietly become one of those fixtures in Kamloops that families grow up alongside. In 2026, the community-wide celebration marks its 16th official year of encouraging families to unplug, play, and reconnect through literacy in all its forms.
Kicking off on Jan. 24 and running through to Jan. 31, Beem Credit Union Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week offers a full roster of free, family-focused activities across the city. Registration opens on Jan. 19, and then the fun begins.
The full schedule will be released closer to the date, but don’t worry, there will be some returning favourites and, of course, some new and exciting ways to get involved.
“This has been officially the 16th year celebrating Unplug and Play Week as Family Literacy Week as we know it,” said Jodi LeBourdais, program coordinator of Literacy in Kamloops. “But it’s been kind of a grassroots thing for almost 20 years.”
Many of the activities focus on younger, primary-aged children, though LeBourdais said that they are including offerings for older youth as well, giving the whole family opportunities to take part in the fun.
“I think people think literacy is just, can I read a book? Oh, it’s about so much more,” said LeBourdais. “There’s numeracy and literacy skills involved in, like, making a meal together, creating a shopping list, you know, measuring and building recipes.”
She added that movement, play, and exploration are deeply connected to early learning. “Literacy skills are more than just reading. It’s about comprehending and finding your space in the world.”
When the initiative first began, families were encouraged to go completely screen-free for the week. LeBourdais explained how that way of thinking has naturally evolved, just as our space in the world has changed over a short time.
“We understand it’s a critical part of life now for a lot of people. It’s not that screen time is always bad,” she said. “It’s just, what are we not doing if we are plugged in all the time? What are we missing out on?”
The week officially kicks off with ABC Family Day on Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at the John Todd Centre. The opening event is free for the family and is assisted by the Kamloops YMCA Early Years Centre, bringing a huge range of community organizations offering all kinds of activities and information.
“It’s very much similar to Teddy Bear Picnic in ways,” said LeBourdais. “A lot of community organizations have come together to offer activities and exposure for families to try things and do some activities together.”
Some family-favourite activities will be returning, like the Family Literacy Week magic show, and some cool cultural experiences like Taiko drumming workshops put on by the Kamloops Canadian Japanese Cultural Association.
Many local schools also take part in the week, with roughly 30 schools taking part each year in the student literacy challenge. That roughly translates into around 9000 students each year. Students are encouraged to reflect on screen use, family time, and literacy skills, with students who complete challenges entered into prize draws.
“Students get their little booklet,” said LeBourdais, “and we’re inspiring you and helping to promote the fact that you can take this week and unplug a little bit.”
And of course, a huge shout-out to long-time sponsor of Family Literacy Week, Beem Credit Union, formerly Interior Savings, who has sponsored the initiative for over 10 years. As LeBourdais said, “We’re really lucky to have them annually.”
To find out more about Family Literacy Week and to stay on top of the coming calendar of events, follow Literacy in Kamloops on social media, and stay tuned to their website at literacyinkamloops.ca.