Prince Edward Island, September 27, 2007 - Island children now have a new way to listen to stories – by telephone. Through Aliant Stories on the Phone, Island children can call a toll-free phone number and listen to an age appropriate story in either English or French.
Surrounded by about 30 kindergarten children and grade three students from Spring Park School, Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour Minister Carolyn Bertram, along with Bruce Howatt, Director of Regional Service PEI & NB for Aliant, and the Friends of the Confederation Centre Public Library launched the new service this morning in Charlottetown.
Minister Bertram explained how Aliant Stories on the Phone could entertain or engage Island youth. “This project provides Islanders with a unique literacy opportunity,” she said. “Children will be able to phone in, listen to a story and be entertained, while building valuable reading skills at the same time.”
The Minister noted that Aliant Stories on the Phone can also appeal to a wider audience. “The story line may be used by seniors who like to listen to stories, people who are just learning English or want to upgrade their language skills, and French immersion students who want to hear a story in French to listen for the proper accents.”
“Aliant Stories on the Phone provides a unique opportunity for young Islanders,” notes Bruce Howatt, Director of Regional Services PEI & NB. “As storytelling was the original means of sharing information and learning used by people in all parts of the world, it has only been in the past few decades that this oral tradition of storytelling has attracted more attention in its value in promoting literacy. Aliant is very excited to partner with the Friends of the Confederation Center Public Library to provide this new service to young islanders.”
During the launch celebration, guest reader Matt Rainnie from CBCs Main street recorded a story in front of a hushed audience. Library staff then called into the toll-free phone line and the children and adults in attendance listened to the story over a speaker phone.
BACKGROUNDER
The Stories:
• Aliant’s Stories on the Phone: 1-888-280-7070 - toll free in Prince Edward Island
• Callers can listen to a story in either English or French, and have the choice between a story for someone under or over the age of five.
• Stories will be changed about every two weeks.
The Project:
• Project Partners: Aliant, the Friends of the Confederation Centre Public Library and the Provincial Library Service.
• Aliant is providing the various telephone lines and voice mail capability.
• Provincial Library staff will maintain the storyline and do the storytelling.
• Project committee members: Patrick Campbell from Aliant, Doug Boylan representing the Friends of the Confederation Centre Public Library, and Barb Kissick, Children's Librarian.