Have you noticed the many illustrated plaques attached to lamp posts around Vancouver? Some detail historical moments and significant places, others narrate public art or stories. Our favourite type has to be Reading Lights. Reading Lights showcase the work of BC children’s book authors and illustrators.
In the fall, the partners behind the project, the Vancouver Public Library and Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC Society (CWILL BC), announced the finalists for the 2018 program. It also is the final year of the 3-year initiative.
Found across Vancouver, Reading Lights have been strategically placed near parks, playgrounds, schools and libraries. Some are even apropos to the story—such as Dipnetting with Dad, placed at Riverfront Park on the Fraser River. These plaques offer unexpected encounters with an array of stories.
Just in time for Family Literacy Day, the final 2018 Reading Light has been installed. Explore the interactive online map to discover all 61 Reading Lights locations, learn about the authors and illustrators who make the stories come alive, and then check out their books in the VPL catalogue.
Pictured above: Reading Light for Stepping Stones: a refugee family’s journey, written by Margriet Ruurs, illustrated by Nizar Ali Badr (Orca Books) located at Pandora Park.