French-speaking Islanders will soon have access to a greater number and variety of health related materials thanks to an agreement between the Public Library Service and the Société Santé en Français, says Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Vessey.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for French library patrons and students to enrich their knowledge about their health in their own language," said Minister Vessey. "Libraries play an important role in exposing patrons to resources and, with the bi-annual health workshops offered in the Acadian and Francophone regions over the next three years, librairies are seen more than ever as a focal point in our communities."
The three-year project is sponsored and funded by Health Canada and will result in the acquisition of a vast French-language collection of health related materials which will be available free through the 26 public libraries. The resources will be linked to health topics identified as priorities with the help of community consultations involving the six community centers of the Acadian and Francophone regions in Prince-West, Summerside, Evangeline, Charlottetown, Rustico and Souris.
The project, sponsored by Health Canada through the Société Santé en français, will offer a wide selection of French books and online materials in the field of health care that reflect the needs and concerns of Island families, seniors and youth. It will also offer meetings and workshops about health care needs and concerns throughout the Acadian and Francophone community of Prince Edward Island.
The Public Library Service has recognized the importance of providing full French-language access to health resources in the Acadian and Francophone community. Recent studies have demonstrated a causal effect between the health of the population and its literacy skills. With this project, the community is provided a chance to make a difference by taking greater responsibility for personal health decisions.
The Public Library Service operates French-language libraries in three locations and makes French materials available through all twenty-six branches in the province.