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1990 was an important year. It marked the beginning of the Human Genome Project, the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, and the creation of the world’s first web browser. 1990 is also known (at least around these parts) as the first year the BC Summer Reading Club! 

 

To celebrate, North Vancouver District Public Library has collected BC Summer Reading Club posters dating all the way back to 1990. Summer reading programs were springing up across the province before the BC Summer Reading Club became what it is today. Each of these programs shared a vision to engage children with libraries and reading throughout the summer. The Greater Vancouver Library Federation made a pitch for a province-wide club in an effort to pool resources and the rest is history! Over 155,000 children and families participate every year in the BC Summer Reading Club, sponsored by the Province of BC, the RBC Foundation, the BC Library Association, and public libraries across British Columbia. Every year, a BC artist is selected to bring the annual theme to life—and all of the historical posters can be viewed at the Lynn Valley Library this summer. 

 

The journey begins with 1990’s “The Biggest, Greatest, Most Amazing Reading Club” by Nicola Morgan and every year thereafter has an inspiring new theme, from “Flights of Fantasy” by Anne DeGrace to “Booked for the Summer” by Rose Cowles. Drop in, say hi, and celebrate the colourful, engaging, and fun world of BC Summer Reading Club art this summer!