The Revelstoke Library celebrated Family Literacy Day on Saturday, Jan 27 by welcoming a special guest: Const. Rachel Mandel of the Revelstoke RCMP detachment.

Librarian Lucie Bergeron said that having RCMP officers come in and read to children makes celebrating Family Literacy Day special and fun for children. The library operates under the mandate of promoting literacy and having local members of the community such as the officers helps make reading fun and cool.

鈥淭he kids think it鈥檚 cool that they鈥檙e here and they鈥檙e modelling reading,鈥� said Bergeron.

Mandel read Bark George by Jules Feiffer. While the librarians may have helped her with the selection, Mandel said that one of her favourite parts of working as an officer is working with dogs.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a good book to speak with them about what I enjoy doing as an RCMP officer,鈥� said Mandel.

Besides building connection and promoting literacy, Bergeron also said that it鈥檚 important for children to connect with the RCMP and see them as real people.

鈥淚f they ever needed help, they would be comfortable talking to them,鈥� said Bergeron.