NB 661
May 28, 2007
SAINT JOHN (CNB) - New Brunswick youth are invited to register for the New Brunswick Public Library Service's (NBPLS) annual Summer Reading Club at their local public library or bookmobile.
"This is a terrific program, and I am pleased to support it," said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty. "The Summer Reading Club offers children throughout the province a variety of educational and fun-filled activities."
The minister was on hand at the Saint John Free Public Library for the provincial launch of the program. While there, he read a story to the children in attendance. The book was entitled "Pippin and the Bones", by New Brunswick author K.V. Johansen. The staff of the Fundy Library Region co-ordinated the 2007 Summer Reading Club launch.
The theme of this year's program is "Dinosaurs" and will be promoted under the slogan "Devour a Book @ Your Library". The theme will include subjects such as archaeology, palaeontology, exploration, prehistoric times, reptiles and even dragons. The NBPLS has partnered with the New Brunswick Museum to enhance this year's Summer Reading Club.
The Summer Reading Club is a free, non-competitive reading club offered by the province's 61 public libraries and four bookmobiles during the months of late June, July and August. During these months, more than 10,000 young people will participate and read more than 200,000 books. At the end of the program they will receive a certificate of achievement indicating that they have "Devoured Books". The certificate will be signed by Dr. Randall Miller, Curator of Geology & Palaeontology at the New Brunswick Museum.
The department has provided support for this program by funding 72 positions for students who will be hired as activity leaders under the Priority Employment Project. These students will help organize and promote the program at various public libraries.
"By supporting our province's youth and students, we are investing in the future of New Brunswick," Doherty said. "Also, by establishing a foundation of academic excellence at an early age we are working to build the best education system in the country and put New Brunswick on the road to self-sufficiency by the year 2026."
For more information on the Summer Reading Club, contact your local public library or bookmobile. Information is also available online.
07/05/28
MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn Hearn, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
07/05/28