$1 million for library books

Government is allocating an additional $1 million to the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board for the purchase of books.

This investment will help to increase the variety and inventory in the province�s 96 public libraries.

"This is the second consecutive year that we have invested an additional $1 million to enable our public libraries to increase their inventories. The Strategic Social Plan identified improving provincial literacy rates as a priority and providing additional money for library books is another step towards achieving that goal. It is our hope that a greater selection at community libraries will result in an increased interest in reading by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, regardless of their age group," said Education Minister Judy Foote.

Fostering a love of reading is one component of the province�s Strategic Literacy Plan which aims, through a collaborative government-community effort, to identify and address literacy priorities and raise the literacy levels of our province to be among the highest in the country.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2001 03 22                    3:15 p.m.