Provincial libraries across Prince Edward Island kicked off their annual Summer Reading Program this morning at the Cornwall Public Library with special guests, music, cake, and Gus the Traveling Bear adding to the festivities.
The TD Summer Reading Program is held every summer in libraries throughout the province, to encourage children of all ages to discover the pleasure of reading throughout the summer months. Family participation is encouraged and even younger children can still participate by having stories read to them. A wide variety of exciting activities are planned in public libraries province-wide. Stickers will be awarded for books read and, at the end of the summer, the participants are awarded with a certificate acknowledging their efforts.
“I encourage children and families to get involved in this wonderful summertime activity at our libraries,” said the Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “Fostering a love of reading is one of the most important things we can do to help children boost their literacy skills and develop good learning habits.
“I want to thank the parents, care givers and library staff who work so hard year-round to make public libraries a vital part of children's lives,” she added.
About 60 children from two classes at Westwood Primary school participated in the kick-off celebration, along with children from a local kindergarten class and parents and children visiting the library. Drummer Michael MacIssac provided entertainment, much to the delight of the children, who were fascinated with both his drumming and his African drums. Janice McEachern, a representative of the TD Bank in Charlottetown, and Cornwall Town Counselor Irene Dawson read to the children and a count down led to the official launch of the summer reading program. Children and adults alike were treated to a tasty and beautiful cake which was shaped and decorated to look like a book. The cake was prepared by Swarna Chandrasekere, a provincial library technician.
Gus the Traveling Bear, a popular library mascot was in attendance. In his travels with library patrons, Gus has been to China, Cuba, Mexico and Paris.
The TD Summer Reading Club is supported by TD Bank Financial Group, which is committed to supporting children across Canada with literacy and learning programs. Library and Archives Canada is the national coordinating agency. For more information, contact your local public library.