Recognizing that libraries play a vital role in the social and economic life of the province, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, declared October 16-20 Library Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. This week is one component of the national Canadian Library Month.

"The services libraries provide are vital to the educational and social development of our province, particularly for those in rural and remote areas," said Minister Burke. "They offer programs, information and materials that individuals and organizations need to grow and succeed, such as public Internet access, specialized collections including DVD and videos, business directories, and in some instances, digital and laptop computers. Our 96 libraries assist students with school projects, provide software and hardware use for growing businesses, and help strengthen our province�s literacy rates. That�s worth celebrating."

The minister noted that government�s strong commitment to libraries is indicative of the importance of libraries to the many communities they serve. In 2006, government has budgeted $8.8 million for libraries, which includes $250,000 to increase the hours of operation in 47 libraries throughout the province.

Minister Burke encouraged everyone to take the time this week and drop by their local libraries. "Library boards and staff work hard every day to ensure our libraries offer useful and relevant resources and services to the people they serve. In today�s age, libraries are far more than a place to borrow a good book, and this is the perfect time to discover exactly how the library can help clients learn and grow."

Darrell Squires, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Library Association joined Minister Burke in announcing Library Week. "On behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Library Association, and all library professionals in our province, I warmly invite you to join us in celebrating Library Week. Visit your nearest public, school, academic, or workplace library, and learn about all the services we have to offer people of any age or background. We�re more than just books! As information professionals, we are dedicated to helping you find out everything you want and need to know. For fun, school, leisure, business, or career � it�s the library! Come in, and put us to work for you!"

This year�s theme is Libraries: the world at your fingertips, and libraries throughout the province have special events planned to commemorate the week. More information on Newfoundland and Labrador Library Week can be found at //staff.library.mun.ca/nlla/aboutlibweek.html

Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca