When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools, libraries, and community hubs, families across the country suddenly lost access to vital reading resources.

In response, we launched Read On Canada!/Lisons Canada!—a national initiative powered by a passionate coalition of literacy organizations and food bank partners. Together, we brought books straight to families’ homes through food bank distribution, and offered engaging online literacy activities to keep the joy of reading alive during lockdown.

Over the summers of 2020 and 2021, Read On Canada! placed more than 300,000 brand-new children’s books into the hands of families nationwide. In recognition of this impact, the coalition was proud to receive a World Literacy Award in 2021.

Though the program has wrapped up, the adventure doesn’t have to end. Explore our library of free, family-friendly activities below and keep “reading on”!