NB 785
May 28, 2008
EDMUNDSTON (CNB) - The focus of this year's Summer Reading Club is science, and the theme is See What's Bubbling @ Your Library®. Kids were invited to do just that as the 2008 Summer Reading Club program was launched today at the Mgr. W.J. Conway Public Library in Edmundston.
"The Summer Reading Club is an exciting way for young people to be engaged in literacy activities at home, at the cottage, and at their local library," said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty. "It not only promotes the importance of literacy in our everyday lives, it also makes learning fun. Even if children are not reading yet, parents, guardians and older siblings can get involved through the Read to Me component of the club."
The Summer Reading Club is a free, non-competitive reading club offered by New Brunswick's 61 libraries and four bookmobiles from June 23 until the end of August. During the summer months, children are invited to participate in a variety of activities designed to promote literacy. With this year's theme focusing on science, the activities will be related to biology, physics, chemistry, earth science, genetics, botany, technology and astronomy.
Participants will receive a special logbook to record the books and magazines they have read and the websites they have visited, as well as stickers and a bilingual bookmark. At the end of the program they will receive a certificate of achievement signed by renowned scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster David Suzuki.
"Providing children with a strong foundation in literacy is at the heart of our government's education plan, When Kids Come First, and compliments our goals in the Charter for Change to achieve self-sufficiency by 2026," Doherty said. "We are pleased to support this valuable program once again with an investment of $227,000 to help fund 73 positions for post-secondary students who will serve as Summer Reading Club activity leaders."
The Summer Reading Club is funded by the New Brunswick Public Library Service, which supports economic and social development, and promotes self-reliance by providing opportunities for New Brunswickers to enhance their knowledge and their creative capabilities. For information on the club, as well as New Brunswick's public libraries and bookmobiles, visit the New Brunswick Public Library Service website.
08/05/28
MEDIA CONTACT: Elaine Bell, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
08/05/28