NB 846
Aug. 27, 2002
FREDERICTON (CNB) -- New Brunswick's public libraries are putting out the welcome mat for new patrons during a membership drive that will run from Sept. 3 to Oct. 10, Education Minister Dennis Furlong said today.
"Our aim is twofold: we want to reach New Brunswickers who do not now have library cards and who are missing out on all the valuable services and resources libraries offer," the minister said. "Secondly, we want to enhance literacy in all its forms, be it reading, writing, computer or information literacy."
Furlong said one of the best ways adults and children can build and hone the diverse literacy skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century is to use the library.
From left: Education Minister Dennis Furlong, four-year-old Lauren Ryan of Fredericton with her new library card, and Marilyn Lohnes, children's librarian at the Fredericton Public Library. (Large photo.)
The almost 227,000 New Brunswickers with the new plasticized library card have access to books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, CDs, audio and videotapes, computers, the Internet, and other multimedia materials, as well as a wealth of programs and events to stimulate an interest in reading and learning. Access to all resources and services is free.
Furlong also announced that Lt.-Gov. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell has joined with the public libraries in support of the membership drive.
"The lieutenant-governor has devoted much time and energy to the cause of literacy, especially early childhood literacy, and we are very honoured and thankful to have her support for our membership drive," he said.
"Literacy skills provide the basis for all learning opportunities," Trenholme Counsell said. "The youngest child can benefit from such early literacy programs as Babies in the Library and preschool story hour. For older children, the most important school supply of all may well be their very own library card. I urge parents throughout the province to make sure they and their children obtain public library cards during the membership campaign."
Libraries hope to attract 4,000 new members to the public library system during the sign-up campaign. Each of the 61 public libraries throughout the province will work on initiatives designed to attract new members. Activities will range from inviting groups to the library to sending information about the library to groups such as Born to Read, Welcome Wagons and Family Resource Centres.
"Individual public libraries are working on a host of activities that will promote our services to groups that might not currently be using the library system," Furlong said.
Anyone interested in obtaining a library card can sign up at their local public library or online at http://www.gnb.ca/0003/NBPLS.htm.
02/08/27
MEDIA CONTACTS: Steve Benteau, communications, Education, 506-444-4717; Ella Nason, assistant executive director, New Brunswick Public Library Service, 506-453-2354.
02/08/27
