Public Libraries Celebrate Family Literacy Day

NOTE: A list of libraries participating in the Guinness world record challenge are listed at the end of this release.

Nova Scotia's public libraries are marking Family Literacy Day with reading circles, family entertainment and even an attempt at breaking a world reading record.

Families across the province will celebrate the day over the coming week with a range of activities at local libraries reading and practising literacy skills together.

"Family Literacy Day is a chance to celebrate the literacy successes happening in communities and public libraries every day of the year," said Judy Streatch, Minister of Education. "Our public libraries play a key role in helping families learn together. They are valuable resources and help adults instill a love of reading and learning in our children."

Some branches are hosting a Read to Me! Jamboree, an event held annually to celebrate babies, their parents and caregivers. Parents and youngsters play games, sing songs, recite rhymes and read books, all to promote a love of reading. People can call your local libraries for details.

A number of libraries will also join a national attempt to break the world record for the most children reading with an adult at one time. The record of 78,791 participants was set by the United States in 2006.

"I congratulate all families who take part in Family Literacy Day activities and continue to read and learn together every day," said Ms. Streatch, who will participate in a Family Literacy Day event at New Ross Consolidated School today, Jan. 23.

The province is a major supporter and funder of public libraries, investing an additional $500,000 this year to ensure public library system benefits all Nova Scotians. Library services help support literacy, lifelong learning and connect Nova Scotians to the world.

Family Literacy Day, Tuesday, Jan. 27, is a national event created by ABC Canada Literacy Foundation to promote the importance of family literacy. It is celebrated by families, schools, communities, public libraries and literacy-related organizations across the province all week.

Libraries participating in the Guiness world record challenge:

Friday, Jan. 23:

• Annapolis Royal Branch Library, 285 George St., Annapolis Royal, 6:30 p.m.
• Berwick Branch Library, 236 Commercial St., Berwick, 6:30 p.m.
• Dr. Robert Miller Memorial Library, 271 Granville St., Bridgetown, 7 p.m.
• Hantsport Branch Library, 11 School St., Hantsport, 6:30 p.m.
• Kentville Branch Library, 95 Cornwallis St., Kentville, 6:30 p.m.
• Dr. Frank W. Morse Memorial Library, 489 Main St., Lawrencetown, 5:30 p.m.
• Rosa M. Harvey Middleton and Area Library, 45 Gates Ave., Middleton, 7 p.m.
• Murdoch C. Smith Memorial Library, 131 Main St., Port Williams, 6:30 p.m.
• Wolfville Branch Library, 21 Elm Ave., Wolfville, 6:30 p.m.
• Wilfred Oram Centennial Library, 299 Commercial St., North Sydney, 4 p.m.
• Baddeck Library, 526 Chebucto St., Baddeck, 7 p.m.
• James McConnell Memorial Library, 50 Falmouth St., Sydney, 7 p.m.
• Drs. Coady & Tompkins Memorial Library, 7972 Cabot Trail, Margaree Forks, 10:30 a.m.
• Canso Branch Library, 130 School St., Canso, 11 a.m.
• Cyril Ward Memorial Library, 27 Pleasant St., Guysborough, 11 a.m.
• Sherbrooke Branch Library, 11 Main St., Sherbrooke, 11 a.m.
• Mulgrave Branch Library, 390 Murray St., Mulgrave, 1 p.m.
• Petit de Grat Branch Library, 450 Hwy 206, Petit De Grat, 1 p.m.
• Port Hawkesbury Branch Library, 304 Pitt St., Port Hawkesbury, 11:30 a.m.
• Stewiacke Branch Library, 295 George St., Stewiacke, 3 p.m.
• River John Library, 2726 Main St., River John, 3 p.m.
• Stellarton Library, 248 Foord St., Stellarton, 3:30 p.m.
• Westville Library, 2020 Queen St., Westville, 4 p.m.
• East Antigonish Education Centre, 10128 Route 4, Monastery, 6:30 p.m.
• Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Library, 405 Main St., Yarmouth, 3 p.m.
• Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library, 84 Warwick St., Digby, , 3 p.m.
• McKay Memorial Library, 17 Glasgow St., Shelburne, 3:30 p.m.
• Clark's Harbour Branch Library, 2648 Main St., Clark's Harbour, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24:

• Kingston Branch Library, 671 Main St., Kingston, 9:45 a.m.
• Windsor Regional Library, 195 Albert St., Windsor, 11 a.m.
• Main-A-Dieu Branch Library, 2886 Louisbourg-Main-a-Dieu Rd., Main-A-Dieu, 1:30 p.m.
• Elmsdale Branch Library, 753 Hwy 2, Elmsdale, 1:15 and 2 p.m.
• Truro Branch Library, 754 Prince St., Truro, 12:30 p.m.
• Pictou Library, 40 Water St., 2 p.m.
• Antigonish Library, 182 College St., Antigonish, 10 a.m.
• New Glasgow Library, 182 Dalhousie St., New Glasgow, 10:30 a.m.
• South Shore Public Libraries, Bridgewater Mall, 421 Lahave St., 10 a.m.
• Pubnico Branch Library, 35 Highway 335, Pubnico Head, 10 a.m.
• Weymouth Branch Library, 4609 Highway 1, Weymouth, 11 a.m.