Today, on World Library Day, the halls of King George VI Public School in Chatham were filled with stories, smiles, and the sound of pages turning. The school marked the occasion with a school-wide D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) event called “Picnic and Pages”—a celebration of the joy of reading.
Students were invited to dress comfortably and bring something cozy to sit on, transforming the school into a giant indoor “picnic”. Lined up along the hallways, students read together at the same time, joined by reading buddies from older grades who paired up with younger students to share stories and encouragement. After the reading session, everyone enjoyed a well-earned treat: popcorn for all.
This joyful event is part of a larger literacy journey at King George VI. Last year, the school was selected as one of only 30 schools across Canada—and just 11 in Ontario—to receive the prestigious Indigo Love of Reading Literacy Fund Grant. The highly competitive grant, backed by the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation, provides $20,000 over three years to help high-needs schools enhance their library collections and foster a lifelong love of reading.
With their first installment, King George VI made a powerful statement: every one of their 278 students received a brand-new book that will help fill the shelves at the school. It was a moment of pride, equity, and excitement that continues to ripple through the school community.
"We’ve really been able to give our library an incredible boost through this funding, and we are so thankful to Indigo,” said Principal Danielle Maryschak. “It’s helping us build a culture of reading that reaches every student.”
“There’s something truly special about seeing students light up when they find a book that speaks to their interests,” added Vice Principal Dayna Hoekstra. “Watching that excitement grow—watching students get curious and feel confident through reading—is so rewarding.”
Thanks to the grant, King George VI has been able to refresh its library shelves, expand access to diverse and engaging titles, and create literacy experiences that feel joyful and inclusive. Events like “Picnic and Pages” are a reflection of that momentum—where reading becomes not just a skill, but a celebration.
As the school continues to make the most of its Indigo funding, the message is clear: when you invest in books, you invest in children. And at King George VI, that investment is already making magic.