CIBC Sponsors Summer Reading Program

Libraries across Nova Scotia will have more resources to encourage children to read this summer.

CIBC is donating $10,000 to the provincial Summer Reading Program. The program is run by regional public libraries to encourage young people to continue reading during the summer months.

"When children develop a love of reading at an early age, they build a solid foundation of literacy skills that will last a lifetime," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "This donation will encourage more young Nova Scotians to discover the joy of books and keep their reading skills sharp through the summer."

The bank's donation will purchase promotional items including t- shirts, sweatshirts, posters, pencils, bookmarks, buttons, fridge magnets, mouse pads and temporary tattoos.

They are used as incentives and prizes for activities such as story time, crafts, games and author readings. They also provide children and parents with information about the program and encourage them to participate.

Each year, $17,000 in provincial funding is devoted to the Summer Reading Program. CIBC's donation will greatly increase the libraries' resources for reaching more children and parents.

"The Summer Reading Program fits perfectly with our vision of helping young people at turning points in their lives," said Terry Gardiner, CIBC's Atlantic regional vice-president of branch banking. "We are delighted to be able to provide our support to this program in a tangible way."

Participation in the bilingual program has been steadily increasing since it was introduced in 1983. Last year, about 13,500 youngsters across Nova Scotia visited libraries and enjoyed a variety of books, with a focus on Canadian and Atlantic Canadian authors.

The Summer Reading Program is co-ordinated by the Council on Youth Services, which comprises representatives from the nine regional public libraries and the Nova Scotia Provincial Library.