Time after time, research has proven that the most effective way to help your preschooler build language skills is to read and speak in your first language. Now parents and caregivers can help children learn their heritage language by borrowing the Port Moody Public Library’s new Links to Language Multilingual Kits.

Generously funded by proceeds from the Library’s 2011 Links to Literacy Golf Tournament, these 24 kits are available in five different languages: Korean, Farsi, Chinese (Mandarin, traditional or simplified characters), French and Spanish. Each kit contains 10 books, a CD, and a DVD in the target language. An accompanying resource manual provides early literacy tips and activity suggestions.

The Links to Language kits are suitable for preschoolers and their families or caregivers. Parents, grandparents, and early childhood educators who speak another language will enjoy introducing their child to their heritage language. Anyone can borrow a kit using their free library card. For more information about the Links to Language Kits, please contact Maryn Ashdown at mashdown@portmoody.ca, or visit our website at library.portmoody.ca.

The Port Moody Public Library’s annual Links to Literacy Golf Tournament has funded many other literacy projects that benefit our community. Previous projects include laptops for literacy training, the new children’s library card, and the Read Today, Lead Tomorrow literacy speaker series. This year’s tournament takes place on Monday, August 27th, at Meadow Gardens golf course.