The wonders and excitement of magic that can be discovered through books is the theme for the 2003 Summer Reading Program launched today at the Confederation Centre Children's Library in Charlottetown. On hand for the official launch were the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister Responsible for Libraries, staff of the Confederation Centre Children's Library, children and parents.
"I am extremely pleased to see the interest that the summer reading program continues to generate among children and parents across the province each summer," said Minister Elmer MacFadyen. "This program is designed to encourage children and families to make reading an important part of their summer vacation."
The theme for 2003 is Books are Magic!/Les livres sont magiques! Children must read at least 15 minutes a day through the summer to maintain reading levels from June to September. To highlight the special theme, a magician was on hand who made the Minister disappear and promised to return the Minister when the children reach their reading goals by September.
"Each year the Provincial Library Service sponsors a special summer reading program to encourage Island children to read," said Mary Lou Hansen, Assistant Children's Librarian. "I invite Island children of all ages to visit their local library and sign-up for the summer reading program."
Participants can register at any time during Children's Library hours from June 26 until July 15. Participants set their own reading goal for the summer and will receive a log book in which they can keep track of their reading throughout the summer.