Family
Literacy Day highlights reading
Province's
Libraries Boost Family Literacy
OTTAWA,
Jan. 27 /CNW/ - Libraries across Ontario are celebrating Family
Literacy Day today with events that promote the importance of reading and
learning as a family, Culture Minister Madeleine Meilleur announced.
"The McGuinty government
is committed to early literacy as well as to
providing families with opportunities to learn and explore together,"
said
Meilleur. "Family Literacy Day serves to underline that Ontario's
public
libraries are hubs of community life. They play an important role in
encouraging literacy and supporting our children's education."
Events scheduled to mark
Family Literacy Day are as diverse as Ontario
itself. Ottawa Public Library is presenting a performance (in English and
French) by Lorraine David called The Land of the Lost Socks, an
interactive
fantasy story for children aged three to seven, which features a giant 20
x
30-foot storybook. The Maria Schulke Branch of the Toronto Public Library
is
presenting a performance of The Paper Bag Princess, a puppet show for
children
and their families based on the book by Robert Munsch. The Children's
Learning
Centre at the Central Branch of Windsor Public Library will hold a special
children's story hour, A Tribute To Robert Munsch, the renowned Canadian
children's author and Honorary Celebrity Chair of Family Literacy Day.
"The Ministry of Culture
is committed to working closely with Ontario's
public libraries to ensure that all residents enjoy the benefits of an
efficient and effective public library system," Meilleur said.
"Above all
else, the effectiveness of a library is greatly enriched by staff and
volunteers who genuinely believe in the importance of reading and sharing
knowledge."
Libraries are key partners in
delivering on the McGuinty government's
priorities of success for students and a prosperous economy. The
government
supports 1,200 public library service outlets across Ontario. The Ministry
of
Culture provides an annual allocation of $29.6 million to support public
libraries in the province, including $18.7 million in annual operating
grants
to more than 390 public library boards, First Nations and communities that
contract with other communities for library service.
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Reuters.com
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