The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Manitoba Premier Gary Doer is encouraging all Manitobans to celebrate the joy of reading during February, which is designated I Love to Read Month across North America. "This internationally-celebrated month is the perfect time to promote early childhood interest in reading and highlight the importance of literacy skills throughout our lives," Doer said. "Parents, guardians and family members play a major role in helping young children learn to appreciate the power of simple pictures and stories that can lead them to a lifelong appreciation of the written word." "I'm challenging grades 2 and 3 students again this year to participate in this home-reading program and to set new reading goals for the month," Doer said. "Those who achieve their goals will receive a Premier's Reading Recognition Bookmark." The government will also invest $242,000 to replace its province-wide library system, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson announced yesterday. "This new system links the province's 108 public libraries and the 3.3 million library resources they hold, allowing them to share information and resources no matter where the materials are located," Robinson said. "It will also provide access to the unique holdings of our Legislative Library, a rich source of Manitoba heritage information. The Manitoba Public Library Information Network (MAPLIN) assists people living in remote areas who do not have a local library by providing access to materials through the Open Shelf Program." The National Center for Family Literacy has found, without crucial parental support, the cycle of under-education continues in families from generation to generation. With support from family literacy programs, children who might otherwise have been educationally and developmentally behind their peers, entered school on par. "Parents and family are the key to a child's success in becoming a lifelong reader. Studies show that literacy skills are like muscles, the more you use them the stronger they become. I encourage all families to take some time every day to read together," said Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson. Doer and Bjornson will be visiting schools and reading to classes throughout the month of February.
