NB 357
March 25, 2004
FREDERICTON (CNB) - Every student in the public school system will soon receive a public library card to encourage reading as the basic foundation for further learning, Education Minister Madeleine Dubé announced today.
"As part of our focus on literacy, we want to encourage all students as well as adults to make use of the materials and programs available at their public library or bookmobile," she said. "Our public libraries are incredible storehouses for learning, with more than 1.9 million books, videos, CDs, DVDs and other materials in their collections."
Dubé
launched the library card campaign while visiting Montgomery Street School in
Fredericton, where she distributed cards to Grade 1 students.
"As I told them, they were the first students to receive their cards but every student will receive one at their school within a couple of weeks," the minister said. "Along with the card, there will be a letter for parents to inform them of the resources, services and programs available at our libraries, and with information on how to activate the library card."
Education Minister Madeleine Dubé is surrounded by Grade 1 students from Montgomery Street School who show off their public library cards. (Large photo)
Dubé encouraged all parents to assist their child in activating their new library card and to encourage them to take advantage of the services offered by public libraries and bookmobiles.
The issuing of a library card to each student was a Year 1 commitment made in the Quality Learning Agenda for the public school system, Quality Schools, High Results.
Students who already have a library card are encouraged to give the new one to a relative or friend.
Dubé said the Department of Education will provide a library card to each child beginning kindergarten in each of the next two school years.
"Reading really is the foundation for all learning and we are focused on ensuring our students develop strong literacy skills during their early years," she said. "This is why we have added 125 reading specialists at the Kindergarten to Grade 2 level this year and will add a total of 500 teachers in targeted areas over four years."
04/03/25
MEDIA CONTACTS: Hugues Beaulieu or Steve Benteau, communications, Education, 506- 444-4714.
04/03/25
