Salt Spring Literacy

05/28/2026

Donations of both Books & Bling (jewelry) will be accepted on Sunday, May 31, 10am – 2pm behind the SIMS Building (Salt Spring Island Multispace) at the junction of Park Drive and Aldous Road.
Donations are to support the Books and Bling Sale which is being held November 6 – 8, 2026 at the Farmer’s Institute.
Please bring your gently used books including fiction, non-fiction, cooking, gardening, historical, biographies, arts & crafts, and a whole lot more as well as any of those special classic books you may want to donate.
Jewelry donations of all kinds - vintage, collectable, designer and costume jewelry - for all ages are welcome.

Our next book drop off will be held on August 30 at the SIMS Multi as well as from October 30 to November 1 at the Farmers' Institute.

For more information or to sign up for updates on everything that’s planned for this exciting event please visit http://www.saltpsringliteracy.org/books-and-bling.

05/14/2026

Learn the Basics of Ai! June 9th!

04/21/2026

Struggling to make ends meet and eat well?

FREE 5 week program
- Learn healthy meal planning and how to save money on food
- Cook a shared meal each week, with leftovers to take home

May 13, 20, 27 and June 3, 10
10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Salt Spring Island Multi Space (SIMS, former middle school) Home Economics Room

--Three ways to enrol--

Use this form:
https://forms.gle/x4biQytZy4kobCXP9

Email your name and phone number to:
[email protected]

Call:
250-537-9717

Sponsored by:
Island Community Services
Salt Spring Island Foundation
United Way

04/01/2026

2026 Haiku Contest!

Write a haiku and win a $50 gift certificate to Salt Spring Books!
Winning entries will be displayed at the Japanese Garden Society’s Blossom Picnic on May 17.

Theme: Spring on Salt Spring

WHAT IS A HAIKU? We are using Haiku Canada’s definition:
A short, unrhymed poem that records the essence of a keenly perceived or “aha!” moment. Haiku express awe or insight, often linking nature with human nature.

In Japanese, haiku consist of 17 on (sound beats) written in one line. In English, haiku usually have fewer than 17 syllables and are written in three lines. Strict adherence to the 5-7-5 syllable rule is not necessary.

Categories:
• Primary ages 6-9
• Intermediate ages 10-12
• Youth ages 13-18
• Adult
• Adult written in Japanese, traditional format. Please supply a translation.

One entry per person.
Entries must be received by May 10 by 12:00 midnight. No late entries accepted!

Submit your entry to the Salt Spring Literacy office, at SIMS (the former middle school), Room 4, or email it to us at: [email protected]

One prize of a $50 gift certificate to Salt Spring Books will be awarded in each category.
Winners that are selected will be final. One submission per person. Submissions will not be returned. Please include your name, contact information and category.

A media release must be signed so we can display your work at the picnic and publish it on our website and our FaceBook page.

Winning entries will be displayed at the Blossom Picnic on Sunday, May 17, 11-2.

There are many resources on writing haiku online. Here’s a Canadian link:
www.haikucanada.org Check out their resources links.

Contest sponsored by Salt Spring Literacy and the Japanese Garden Society

04/01/2026

Grade 11 Bursary

This $5,100 bursary for continuing education is awarded to a Grade 11 student who lives on Salt Spring Island. A student must be nominated by a teacher or community member who knows them well; self-nominations are not accepted. The recipient will have the option to receive support from the Salt Spring Literacy Society in planning, budgeting, and applying for their educational goals.

-- Eligibility --

This bursary will be given to a student who:
•Has shown the ability to overcome life's challenges
•Is dedicated to community and school
•Exhibits a strong sense of responsibility and caring
•Inspires others
•Approaches life with a positive mindset
•Resides on Salt Spring Island
•Has financial need in pursuing post-secondary education

-- Nomination Letters --

Nominators should explain how they know the applicant, in what capacity, and for what length of time. They should state why the student is a strong candidate for the bursary, speaking directly to the above criteria, and outlining why the student requires support and encouragement with their continuing education. The nominator should include their contact information (including email address, if any). The bursary recipient must be unrelated to Salt Spring Literacy Society board members or staff.

-- Submissions --

•By email to [email protected]. Letters received by email will be confirmed by email.
•In person at the Salt Spring Literacy Office located at: Room 4, Salt Spring Island Multi Space (SIMS, former middle school) 124 Rainbow Rd. Salt Spring Island, Tuesday through Friday noon to 4pm
•By mail to PO Box 228, STN Ganges, Salt Spring Island, BC VBK 2V9

-- Disbursement --

A cheque for $100 will be awarded to the student when the bursary recipient is announced and can be picked up at the Salt Spring Literacy office. After graduating from Grade 12 with a BC Certificate of Graduation, $2,500 will be paid each year for the first two years of continuing education to the recipient once proof of registration is provided to the Salt Spring Literacy Society. The bursary can be deferred for up to 2 years after graduation from high school.

-- DEADLINE MONDAY MAY 4, 2026 --

-- Questions --

Please contact Salt Spring Literacy at (250) 537-9717 or [email protected].

03/25/2026

AI is here whether we like it or not. Best to be prepared! Salt Spring Literacy is planning upcoming information sessions to add to your knowledge. This organization has helpful resources. Check it out

03/21/2026

Parents- here are some great ideas to support your child's reading:

Six years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced Canadians into lockdown, many children are still playing catch-up for the time they missed learning in the classroom.

03/18/2026

Notice of 2026 Annual General Meeting

Notice is given to members of the Salt Spring Literacy Society that the 2026 Annual General Meeting will be held on:

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Room 4, Salt Spring Island Multi Space (SIMS), 124 Rainbow Rd, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2V5

For the purposes of:

1. To approve minutes of the 2025 Annual General Meeting
2. Message from the Board Chair
3. Executive Director’s Report
4. Program Reports
5. Treasurer’s Report
6. Review and approve the 2025 Financial Statement
7. Re-elect five (5) individuals for a two-year term as Director of the Board

Salt Spring Literacy Society welcomes the community to the AGM. To vote, an individual must be a member in good standing of Salt Spring Literacy Society.

On behalf of the Board of Salt Spring Literacy Society:
Ian Brunskill, Board Chair

03/05/2026

🌱‍ Celebrate Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month with the Spring Agriculture Literacy Contest from BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation
🔗 https://bcaitc.ca/blog/2026-canadian-agriculture-literacy-challenge

👨‍🌾📖 This year’s theme, Cultivating Curiosity, invites students to explore how farmers care for animals, protect animal health, and responsibly manage farms. Through reading, reflection, and hands-on learning, students will build curiosity and understanding about where food comes from and the care that goes into raising animals on modern farms.


Agriculture in the Classroom Canada

01/23/2026