The annual Beem Credit Union (formerly Interior Savings) Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week will take place January 24–31, 2026, in support of Family Literacy Day® on January 27. The City of Kamloops, in partnership with community partners, encourages families to:
- find a healthy balance between sedentary screen time and active family time
- connect more with each other
- spend at least 15 minutes a day doing an activity together that builds literacy skills
The week is an opportunity to take a break from electronic devices and reap the health benefits of connecting with friends and family, which is the inspiration for Beem Credit Union Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week.
"Strong communities begin with strong families. Beem is proud to continue its long-standing support of Unplug and Play, an event that brings families and communities together year after year. It’s a wonderful reminder to slow down, spend meaningful time together, and focus on what really matters. Supporting initiatives like this is how we help our communities thrive,” said Brian Harris, CEO of Beem Credit Union.
Since the program began 15 years ago, close to 9,000 students have participated annually in the Beem Credit Union Unplug and Play Student Challenge. Each year, students reflect on their experiences and continue to express their enjoyment over spending more time with family and friends and discovering new screen-free activities.
“Spending time together as a family strengthens relationships and supports a lifelong literacy journey. We promote family literacy as a way for families to connect with each other and to discover ways to connect with their community,” said Jodi Lebourdais, Chair of the Unplug and Play Committee and Literacy in Kamloops Program Coordinator.
The Beem Credit Union Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week schedule of free events offers many opportunities to build literacy skills while balancing screen time. The week begins with a fun-filled morning of activities geared to families with children aged 5 and under at the annual ABC Family Literacy Day on Sunday, January 24, at the John Tod Centre Kamloops Y.
Other events include the annual Family Magic Show; Learn, Sing, and Play the Métis Way; Taiko Drumming; and Youth Board Game Cafe. Community partner organizations are offering free pickup and take-home kits as well as in-person and virtual activities.
The City of Kamloops will be hosting four events:
• a free public swim at Westsyde Pool on January 24, 1:00–4:00 pm
• a free public skate at Valleyview Arena on January 28, 5:45–6:45 pm or 7:00–8:00 pm (registration required)
• a free family sport night on January 29 at Beattie Elementary School, 5:15–6:45 pm (registration required)
• Unplug and Play with Rocks! on Saturday, January 31, 10:30 am–12:00 pm, at the Kamloops Museum and Archives (by donation)
As the title sponsor, Beem Credit Union encourages everyone to check out the 2026 schedule of events. To find the schedule and for more information on registration, visit LiteracyinKamloops.ca, the Kamloops Unplug and Play Facebook page, or pick up a schedule at any Beem Credit Union location in Kamloops.
Registration links for the public skates and the family sport night are also available at Kamloops.ca/Events.
About: Literacy in Kamloops works with a group of community partners to meet the literacy needs of everyone. We run free literacy programs and events for children of all ages, adults, and seniors. We provide free books to families and reading support to increase literacy levels and improve life chances.
