William Dale
Published online May 6, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
PONTIAC – For many, the word “literacy” brings to mind images of school desks and chalkboards. However, the MRC Pontiac is currently championing a much broader vision. Through the “Cultivating Reading” initiative, the regional government is treating literacy as a public utility—something that should be as visible and accessible as a park bench or a streetlamp.
The strategy, managed under the MRC’s Economic Development and Culture branch, recognizes that a “reading region” is a thriving region. By moving stories out of the quiet corners of libraries and into the windows of our businesses and the hands of our neighbors, the MRC aims to spark a cultural “renaissance.” This week, that vision took a major step forward as over $15,000 in funding was greenlit for four grassroots projects designed to bridge the gaps between generations and municipalities.
In Campbell’s Bay, the project “Les fenêtres qui racontent” ($3,824 grant) is set to turn Front Street into a literal open-air book. By utilizing the windows of vacant or empty buildings, the project will display local photography alongside short, readable excerpts of literature.
“We want people to rediscover the center of the village through storytelling,” explained Marie Gionet, the MRC’s Economic Development Commissioner for Culture. The snippets in the windows are designed to be “catchy” for passersby, while the full books will be available at the municipal office. The project will officially debut at the Murale Cultural Park with a guest author appearance.
Perhaps the most touching of the projects is “Reading Together” ($4,000 grant) in L’Isle-aux-Allumettes. This program understands that seniors are the keepers of our region’s stories, while youth are its future. By pairing secondary students and senior volunteers with elementary students from Dr. Wilbert Keon and Notre Dame du Sacré-Coeur, the project creates a “bridge” of mutual support.
These intergenerational reading sessions and educational games aren’t just for the summer; the program is expected to run through the autumn, culminating in a festive “closure” event this coming Christmas.
Accessibility is the focus in Otter Lake, where a $2,177 grant will fund four new “Small Free Libraries.” These outdoor hubs will be placed in high-traffic spots like parks and residential areas, allowing neighbors to freely exchange books in both English and French. To celebrate, the town is planning a summer launch featuring a professional storyteller, with specific outreach planned for tourists at Leslie Park.
Finally, the Western Quebec Literacy Council (WQLC) is using a $5,000 grant to make starting a book club as easy as opening a box. They are creating five “Book Club Kits”—complete with 10 copies of a book and a guide on how to lead a discussion. In a nod to local talent, every book selected for these kits will be written by an author from the MRC Pontiac or Outaouais region.
While the projects are spread across different towns, they share a common goal: making the Pontiac a place where stories are a part of the scenery. “Literacy is a powerful tool for action,” Gionet told the Journal. “It’s about understanding the world around us.”
At a Glance: The “Cultivating Reading” Grants
- Campbell’s Bay: $3,824 for storefront story trails and visual art.
- L’Isle-aux-Allumettes: $4,000 for senior-youth reading pairings through Christmas.
- Otter Lake: $2,177 for four new outdoor “free” libraries.
- WQLC: $5,000 for book club kits featuring local authors.
Cutline:
A promotional poster for the MRC Pontiac’s “Cultivate Reading” initiative. The program is investing in accessible and inclusive community projects to foster a love of reading across all age groups in the region. (Photo: MRC Pontiac)
