Promoting literacy is the goal of a fun day of activities at Coquitlam Centre Wednesday, Jan. 30.
Marking five years of Family Play and Learn activities at the mall, the event will offer fun. reading-related activities for every age group, including babies, young children, teens and seniors.
The morning starts with a brisk walk in the centre followed by Baby Storytime for parents and tots.
At lunch, it's time for seniors to walk through the centre and then enjoy tea, storytelling, and performances by the Glen Pine Singers and the Dogwood Songsters.
From 3 to 5 p.m., teens will have the opportunity to attend a songwriting workshop hosted by Shaun Verrault from Wide Mouth Mason, check out the new PoCoMo Youth Services Bus, participate in a scavenger hunt and learn about a variety of digital and traditional literacy tools.
The evening component, from 6 to 8 p.m., is the biggest part of the day, featuring the Learn and Play crafts along with face painting and organizations geared towards child development.
Science World and the Vancouver Aquarium Aqua Kit will be on site featuring interactive demonstrations. Children's entertainers Bobs and LoLo will be performing at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and the Tri-City mayors will be reading stories along with local public servants between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
For those who want to expand their knowledge about local literacy organizations, there will be a trade show featuring over 20 local organization.
When customers visit any five of these organizations to have their 'passports' stamped, they will be entered to win a Coquitlam Centre shopping spree.
Coquitlam Centre will also be hosting a children's used book drive where customers will be entered to win Coquitlam Centre Gift Cards for their gently used book donations.
The Book Zone for donations will be located near H&M in the north plaza area until Jan. 30.
"This event took a tremendous amount of collaborative work and we are proud to facilitate literacy in our community," stated Deborah Stetz, marketing director for Coquitlam Centre in a press release.
