Today is Family Literacy Day and Hanover is celebrating.
Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the Hanover Library where they receive a free book to mark the occasion.
The free books will be available from now until Saturday.
South Grey Bruce Youth Literacy Coordinator Dyan Jones says research shows parent have a strong influence on the literacy development of their children.
She says its very important parents read to their children providing them with a solid learning foundation.
Jones says many would be shocked to learn that only 57 percent of Canadians read at an adequate level.
By installing a love of reading in children early, Jones says parents are arming their children with valuable tools that will last them a lifetime.
The recognition of Family Literacy Day spearheads a year of events promoting youth literacy in Hanover.
The local Literacy Council provides an important service to the area through volunteer tutoring to youth and those with English as a second language.
An Owen Sound publishing company is also giving away books today.
The Ningwakwe Learning Press will be at Alexandra Community School in Owen Sound for Family Literacy Day.
Staff of the publishing company will hand out copies of ‘Honouring Our Peacekeepers’ to students at the elementary school.
The book focuses on aboriginal veterans and peacekeepers.
Family Literacy Day was created in 1999 to encourage families to read and learn together.