February 1, 2008

FOUR ONTARIO PUBLIC LIBRARIES HONOURED FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

McGuinty Government Recognizes Outstanding Work of Public Libraries

TORONTO — Public libraries in London, Port Hope, Brock Township and Seguin Township were recognized this evening for programs that promote creative public library services.  Culture Minister Aileen Carroll presented the awards at the Ontario Library Association’s annual conference to honour innovative programs that improve literacy and promote lifelong learning and library use.

 “Our public libraries play a key role as community hubs of learning and literacy,” said Aileen Carroll.  “Ontario’s public library system is stronger and more vital than ever because of the many innovative initiatives that we are recognizing this evening.”

The four recipients of the province’s Public Library Service Awards are:

1. The London Public Library for LOLLYPOP, a program to increase the literacy and leadership skills of youth through creative expression and community building
2. The Brock Public Library for its Equi-Pass Program which provides low-cost digital learning opportunities to enhance employment skills for rural residents, many of whom lack access to local learning centres and high-speed internet
3. The Port Hope Public Library for its Open a BOOK, Open a BUSINESS initiative to develop, expand and promote library resources to the local business and agricultural communities
4. The Seguin Public Library for its recent expansion project, increased collections, new computer and training area, and introduction of a ServiceOntario site.

The government of Ontario invests over $28 million annually in Ontario’s public and First Nations libraries.

The Public Library Service Awards were created in 1985 by the Ontario government. A jury drawn from Ontario’s public library community reviewed entries from across Ontario.

- 30 -

Contacts:

Alicia Johnston, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-1676
Mark Thompson, Communications Branch, (416) 314-3497

• Brackgrounder