The following statement was issued today by Judy Foote, Minister of Education. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Read-In 2000 and Library Week 2000

I rise today to inform my honourable colleagues of two positive events aimed at improving literacy in our province. This morning, at KIXX/Q-93, I participated, along with Dr. Bill Fagan, chair of the Literacy Development Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, in a draw of four prizes of $500 each awarded to schools that participated in Read-In 2000. The prize money was provided by the Literacy Development Council and the Department of Education.

The winning schools are Avoca Collegiate in Badger, Cowan Heights Elementary and St. Theresa�s School in St. John�s and William Mercer Academy in Dover. Schools will use their $500 prize money to buy books for their libraries.

Read-In 2000 was a project of the Literacy Development Council, which encouraged, in an active way, the importance of reading in everyone�s life.

Between March 1 and 17, teachers and principals were encouraged to invite guest readers to visit the classrooms and read to students.

During Education Week and during Read-In, I enjoyed visiting students at Paradise Elementary in Paradise and St. Thomas of Villanova in Conception Bay South.

I know my colleagues join me in congratulating the students and teachers at the winning schools, and all the schools that participated in Read-In 2000.

There is another important event to promote today. This is Newfoundland and Labrador Library Week.

The purpose is to celebrate libraries and the importance of reading and access to information in many forms � from books, music, videos, magazines and drama to the Internet. Information in these and many other forms can be found in our province�s 96 public libraries.

This government recognized the importance of resourcing our libraries several weeks ago, when we announced an additional $1 million in funding to the province�s libraries board for the purchase of new books � this had the effect of tripling the board�s buying power this year.

The theme of Library Week 2000 is "Read your way around the world."

I encourage everyone to take part in Library Week and to consider taking the time to read to a child.

NOTE TO EDITORS: An electronic copy of a photograph of this morning�s draw is available by contacting Andrea Maunder at (709) 729-0048.

2000 04 10                                                 4:00 p.m.