Education Minister Peter Fassbender is proclaiming October 2013 as Library Month in British Columbia, reinforcing the importance role local libraries play in education and literacy in communities throughout the province.

The proclamation coincides with the Canadian Library Association naming October as Canadian Library Month. This year's theme across the country is "Libraries Connect".

Libraries foster lifelong learning and help British Columbians of all ages connect with the information, programs and resources they need to learn, work and live fuller lives. Since 1999, B.C. has joined other provinces in celebrating Library Week and Library Month as a means of promoting the many valuable services provided by libraries of all types.

Throughout B.C., local libraries will have a number of events and activities to help celebrate Library Month. Check out your local library for details about what is happening in your area.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Education -

"Libraries have always been tremendous community resources for people looking to learn, explore, or just find that great story to read on a rainy Sunday afternoon. As well, libraries play an important role in the economic life of communities, helping people find work and supporting businesses through a wide range of services."

Annette DeFaveri, executive director, British Columbia Library Association -

"Celebrating libraries is the celebration of our communities. Libraries are the foundation of an engaged and literate citizenship and the connection between all members of our communities regardless of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, heritage, physical or mental capabilities and class. When you visit a library you visit the future!"

Quick Facts:

• There are 71 public library systems in B.C. with 243 library locations serving 360 communities.
• Fifty per cent of British Columbians regularly use their public library.
• Last year, circulation by B.C. public libraries topped 57 million, and the number of electronic materials used grew by more than 250 per cent.
• In-person and online, British Columbians visited their library more than 55 million times last year, a jump of more than 25 per cent since 2008.
• Use of library programs has jumped by more than 30 per cent since 2008, with almost 1.3 million attendees in 2012.
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested more than $1.5 billion in literacy and literacy-related projects and programs, including pre-literacy and early learning programs.

Learn More:

2013 Library Month proclamation: http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2013%20Proclamations/procs/LibraryMonth2013.htm

British Columbia Library Association: http://www.bcla.bc.ca/

Canadian Library Association: http://www.cla.ca/

BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963