Government allocates $1 million for new library books

Government is allocating an additional $1 million in Budget 2003 to the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board. This money will be used for the purchase of new books in the province�s 96 libraries.

"This government recognizes the value of libraries in an educated society, and I am pleased that for the fourth consecutive year we have allocated $1 million for the purchase of library books," said Gerry Reid, Minister of Education. "Our Strategic Literacy Plan focuses on improving literacy in this province, and our community libraries play a key role in making reading material accessible. This investment will enable the libraries to improve the diversity and numbers of books which they offer to users."

The Strategic Literacy Plan examines literacy for all ages and outlines strategic directions in the areas of early literacy, the formal K-12 system and adult education. Including this year�s funding, government has provided additional funding of $4 million for the purchase of library books over the past four years.

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications, (709) 729-0048, or (709) 727-3438

2003 03 27                                        3:10 p.m.