Public libraries play a central role in promoting literacy in Canada by combining physical collections, digital platforms like TumbleBookLibrary, and national initiatives such as the Governor General’s Literary Awards and CBC Canada Reads to support readers of all ages.
Greater Victoria Public Library (formerly Victoria Public Library)
- 📍 Location: 735 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC
- 🌐 Website: www.gvpl.ca
- 🟢 Status: Active public library system (12 branches, open Monday–Saturday)
The Victoria Public Library, now operating as the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL), is a cornerstone of the community, offering a wealth of resources and services to its patrons. As an active public library system in 2026, GVPL combines in-branch collections, digital resources, and year-round literacy programs for children, families, and adults.
One notable initiative implemented by the library is its alignment with subscription-based digital reading platforms such as TumbleBooks Inc., which remain widely used by public libraries and school systems across Canada and the United States. TumbleBookLibrary is an interactive digital platform designed primarily for early readers, offering animated picture books, read-along narration, and multilingual content accessible both in libraries and from home.
Through platforms like TumbleBookLibrary and similar digital services, public libraries expand access to structured reading tools that support early literacy, language development, and reading confidence. Interactive features such as narrated text, animated illustrations, and simple educational games help make reading engaging and approachable for young learners.
This blended model, combining physical library spaces with curated digital reading platforms, reflects how modern public libraries like GVPL continue to promote literacy in a digital-first environment, while maintaining their role as trusted, community-based learning hubs.
Halifax Public Library
- 📍 Location (administration): 60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
- 🏢 Branches: 14 active locations across HRM
- 🌐 Website: halifaxpubliclibraries.ca
The Halifax Public Library, now operating as Halifax Public Libraries, is another exemplary institution that recognizes the importance of fostering a reading culture. The library supports digital reading through its e-library and online resources, providing patrons with a diverse selection of digital reading materials. The benefits of the digital reading platforms used by public libraries are manifold.
One of the unique features of the Halifax Public Library is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The library offers digital resources that include features such as text-to-speech functionality and adjustable font sizes, catering to the needs of individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties. By leveraging technology to accommodate diverse reading needs, the Halifax Public Library has created an inclusive space that promotes literacy for all.
Winnipeg Public Library
- 📍 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- 🏢 Branches: 20+ library branches across the city
- 🗓️ Founded: 1881 (one of the oldest public library systems in Western Canada)
The Winnipeg Public Library is renowned for its commitment to promoting reading and literacy in the community. The library has harnessed the power of TumbleBookLibrary to engage readers of all ages. The TumbleBookLibrary program offered through Winnipeg Public Library’s Digital Library provides a vast collection of digital books, audiobooks, and interactive materials, enriching the reading experience for patrons.
The success stories from the Winnipeg Public Library illustrate the positive impact of TumbleBookLibrary as a family and early-literacy resource. Children and adults alike have shown remarkable improvement in their reading comprehension and vocabulary skills through regular use of the platform. The library’s dedication to providing accessible and engaging reading materials has garnered praise from the community and contributed to the growth of a vibrant reading culture.
Ottawa Public Library
- 📍 Location: 120 Metcalfe St, Ottawa, Ontario
- 🏢 Branches: 33 branches, including a joint facility with Library and Archives Canada
- 👥 Annual users: 950,000 registered users (among the top 5 busiest systems in Canada)
- 💻 Digital services: E-books, audiobooks, online learning platforms, remote access for cardholders
The Ottawa Public Library is at the forefront of promoting digital literacy through its TumbleBookLibrary program. By offering access to TumbleBookLibrary through its online resources, the library empowers individuals of all ages to engage with high-quality digital reading materials. This initiative plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to explore the world of literature.
In addition to the TumbleBookLibrary program, the Ottawa Public Library provides a wide range of library services and community programs. These initiatives include book clubs, author events, and educational workshops, all designed to foster a love for reading and lifelong learning in the community. The Ottawa Public Library’s multifaceted approach to promoting literacy contributes significantly to building a thriving reading culture in Canada’s capital.
Moose Jaw Public Library
- 📍 Address: 461 Langdon Crescent, Moose Jaw, SK
- 🌐 Website: www.mjlibrary.ca
- 📚 Collections: Print books, magazines, local history materials
- 💻 Digital access: E-books, audiobooks, digital resources via library catalogue
The Moose Jaw Public Library is an integral part of the local community, offering a diverse range of resources and programs that cater to the needs and interests of its patrons. Located in a historic building in Crescent Park, the library serves the City of Moose Jaw and surrounding area as an inclusive community hub focused on lifelong learning and connection. One notable aspect of the library’s engagement with the community is its collaboration with local organizations and institutions to promote reading and literacy.
The library actively promotes reading-related events, children’s programs, film screenings, and literacy initiatives through its own website, newsletters, and social media channels, helping residents stay informed and engaged. Local media and community networks play an important role in sharing information about library events and public programs, further strengthening the connection between the library and the community.
The Moose Jaw City Hall also recognizes the value of the public library and actively supports its initiatives. Operating under Saskatchewan’s Public Libraries Act, the library is governed by a board appointed by City Council and receives municipal support to deliver services, digital resources, and community programming. This support helps ensure the continued growth and success of the library’s programs, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach in nurturing a strong local reading culture.
Literacy as a Practical Life Skill
Public libraries and national reading initiatives highlight a simple idea: literacy is not limited to books or formal education. Reading remains a practical skill that helps people understand complex topics, compare information, and make informed decisions in everyday life.
By providing access to books, digital collections, and curated resources, libraries support critical thinking and informed choice. In a digital-first environment, this ability to read beyond headlines and summaries plays an essential role in navigating modern services and online platforms with confidence and awareness.
How Reading Supports Responsible Online Gaming
The reading habits people build through libraries don’t disappear when they move online. Those same skills are useful when it comes to digital entertainment, including online games, where most important details are explained through text rather than visuals or ads.
When people take the time to read guides and helpful materials, it becomes much easier to understand how online games actually work. This includes what responsible play looks like, how limits are set, and why certain rules exist. In regulated environments, especially in an online gambling environment, this information is usually written down in detail. And an online casino supported by sources like clear, research-based guidance for Canadian players helps users rely on written explanations instead of guesswork or assumptions.
These kinds of resources are made for people who want things explained simply and clearly. They usually cover practical points that matter in real use, such as:
- what the rules and conditions actually mean in plain language
- where player safety tools and limits are explained
- how payouts, verification, and basic procedures are described
- what signs help tell reliable platforms apart from questionable ones
All of this comes back to the same idea: reading helps people stay in control. Just like libraries encourage thoughtful learning, access to straightforward information allows players to approach online gaming calmly, responsibly, and within their own boundaries.
Navigating the Tumblebooks Platform
Accessing TumbleBookLibrary and related TumbleBooks services through participating libraries is straightforward. Users can typically access the platform through the library’s website using a library card number or a direct institutional login. No additional software, downloads, or installations are required, and all content is browser-based and mobile compatible.
Rather than a single catalogue, the TumbleBooks platform is structured around four distinct services, each designed for a specific age group or learning goal:
- TumbleBookLibrary – animated and read-along e-books for grades K–6, including over 1,100 titles, graphic novels, non-fiction, videos, and content in English, French, and Spanish
- TeenBookCloud – more than 1,000 titles for middle and high school readers, featuring enhanced e-books with audio narration, highlighted text, classic literature, AP English selections, and high-interest / low-level content
- TumbleMath – story-based math books that combine narration, animation, and sound, supported by lesson plans, educational games, and quizzes to reinforce math concepts
- AudioBookCloud – a streaming audiobook collection with 1,200+ titles across multiple genres, always available with no holds, no downloads, and no wait lists
Benefits of TumbleBooks platform extend to both children and adults. For children, the interactive features make reading a fun and engaging experience, fostering a love for books and improving literacy skills. Adults can also benefit from TumbleBooks, as the platform offers a wide range of genres and educational materials, promoting lifelong learning and personal growth.
To use the TumbleBooks platform effectively, libraries and families typically focus on a few practical advantages:
- unlimited access with no checkout limits or wait times
- clear separation by age group and learning purpose
- built-in audio narration and text highlighting for accessibility
- suitability for classrooms, libraries, and at-home learning
- compatibility with tablets, laptops, and smartphones
Overall, TumbleBooks functions less like a traditional digital library and more like a subscription-based learning ecosystem, designed to remove access barriers and make reading, listening, and learning consistently available through public libraries and schools.
Role of Governor General’s Literary Awards
The Governor General’s Literary Awards are prestigious accolades that recognize outstanding works of literature by Canadian authors. These awards play a vital role in promoting Canadian literature and highlighting the talent and creativity within the country. Administered by the Canada Council for the Arts, the awards cover seven categories in both English and French, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, translation, and young people’s literature.
The impact of the Governor General’s Literary Awards extends beyond the recognition bestowed upon the winners. The awards raise awareness about Canadian literature and encourage readers to explore the diverse range of literary works produced in Canada. In 2025, the awards continued to emphasize literary diversity and accessibility, with winning and finalist titles spanning multiple genres, languages, and age groups. By shining a spotlight on Canadian authors, the awards contribute to the growth and development of a vibrant literary culture in the country.
Memorable winners of the Governor General’s Literary Awards have left an indelible mark on Canadian literature. Their works have resonated with readers, sparked important conversations, and contributed to the national literary canon. Each winning book receives a $25,000 prize, with additional grants supporting publishers, reinforcing the awards’ role not only as cultural recognition but also as tangible support for Canada’s literary ecosystem. These authors have become ambassadors for Canadian literature, inspiring aspiring writers and fostering a sense of pride in the country’s literary heritage.
Canada Reads: National Initiative
Canada Reads is a nationally recognized initiative that celebrates Canadian literature and encourages Canadians to read and engage in discussions about books. Organized by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Canada Reads selects five books each year and invites prominent Canadian personalities to champion them in a series of debates. In 2026, the program marked its 25th edition, with debates centered on the theme “one book to build bridges,” reflecting an ongoing focus on dialogue, inclusion, and shared cultural experience.
Past winners of Canada Reads have had a profound impact on Canadian literature. The exposure gained through the program has catapulted many books to bestseller status and introduced Canadian authors to a wider audience. Recent editions, including 2025, continued this trend by highlighting contemporary issues such as identity, reconciliation, and social connection, while also driving measurable increases in library circulation and book sales for shortlisted titles. Canada Reads has become a catalyst for meaningful conversations about literature, helping to shape the reading landscape in Canada.
CBC’s commitment to promoting reading is evident through Canada Reads. By leveraging its media reach and engaging prominent personalities, CBC successfully encourages Canadians to read and participate in discussions about the selected books. In 2026, this commitment expanded further through direct collaboration with public libraries, including engagement kits and discussion resources designed to support local Canada Reads events and community-led reading programs. This initiative serves as a powerful tool in nurturing a reading culture and reinforcing the value of literature in Canadian society.
Fostering a Nation of Readers
Public libraries, reading campaigns, and prestigious awards like the Governor General Literary Awards and CBC Canada Reads collectively contribute to the promotion of reading and literacy in Canada. Through their tireless efforts, they cultivate a nation of readers, enriching lives, expanding horizons, and empowering individuals with knowledge.
As we look to the future, it is crucial to continue supporting public libraries, embracing digital reading initiatives, and celebrating the achievements of Canadian authors. By doing so, we can ensure that reading and literacy remain integral parts of Canadian society, fostering personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and a shared love for the written word.
Interesting Facts:
- Canada is home to over 22,000 libraries, outnumbering Tim Hortons locations, showcasing the nation’s commitment to fostering a reading culture.
- The Governor General’s Literary Awards, established in 1936, stand as Canada’s oldest and most prestigious awards for English- and French-language Canadian literature.
- CBC Canada Reads, known as “the title fight of books,” has been captivating readers annually since 2002, sparking nationwide interest in literature.
- As of 2026, Canada operates 642 public library systems with more than 3,350 branches, making public libraries one of the most accessible cultural institutions in the country.
- Canadians visit public libraries over 100 million times per year, a figure comparable to annual movie theatre attendance and far exceeding attendance at major sporting events.
- Print books still account for roughly 68% of all library borrowing, but digital lending (e-books and audiobooks) has grown by over 70% since 2017, reflecting a steady shift toward hybrid reading habits.
- More than half of Canadian library borrowers are aged 55 and older, highlighting the continued importance of libraries for lifelong learning and community engagement well beyond formal education.