PROVINCE PROCLAIMS TODAY MANITOBA SCHOOL LIBRARY DAY
– – – Minister Encourages Students, Families to 'Drop Everything and Read'
Education Minister Nancy Allan proclaimed today Manitoba School Library day and kicked it off by reading to Grade 1 students at Wellington School in Winnipeg.
“School libraries are so important to vibrant and healthy schools where students gain the literacy skills they need to succeed in school and beyond,” said Allan. “School libraries offer a wealth of information and knowledge and act as a active learning centres for students, families and educators. Libraries Connect, the theme for this year is fitting because we’ve all seen and experienced how libraries can connect people to each other and we know the important role school libraries play in the academic and cultural lives of our students and educators.”
Manitoba School Library Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Monday in October and is dedicated to acknowledging the important role that school libraries and teacher librarians play in the academic success of our children by promoting literacy and making library resources available to students and educators.
“A school library supports the curriculum and provides an essential service to the entire learning community. The staff of a school library inspires the love of reading, fosters literacy and critical thinking skills, and encourages a spirit of inquiry and positive attitudes for life-long learning,” said Joyce Riddell, president, Manitoba School Library Association.
Schools have been invited to participate today in the Manitoba School and Library Association’s Drop Everything and Read challenge to students and educators to read for 20 minutes at 11 a.m.
“Reading is one of the most enjoyable activities that we can do on our own or with our families. Reading allows us to spend quality time with one another while taking an exciting journey to foreign lands or learning about fascinating new people,” said Allan.