Premier Christy Clark sent congratulations to the Powell River Public Library today as the recipient of the 2013 Council of the Federation Literacy Award for B.C.

"With its track record of bringing together a wide range of partners to support literacy, the Powell River Public Library has earned the nickname, 'the little library that could,'" said Premier Clark.

The library develops, delivers and supports literacy programs across the region. Their partners include StrongStart BC, Powell River School District, Powell River Youth Centre, Ahms Tah Ow First Nations School, Vancouver Island University and Vancouver Coastal Health.

Through these collaborations Powell River residents benefit from a diverse selection of literacy-related activities including Books for BC Babies, Powell River Family Place Parent-Child Mother Goose, the Powell River Poetry Slam and Memoir Writing for Seniors.

The Council of the Federation, which comprises all 13 provincial and territorial premiers, created the literacy award in 2004. Each province and territory chooses a group that has made a significant contribution to literacy. Award recipients receive a certificate, signed by the premier of their province or territory, a Council of the Federation Literacy Award medallion and $300.

"Powell River provides a shining example of how a city's library can play a vital social and economic role," said Minister of Education Peter Fassbender. "It reminds us that we need to leverage the strength of our great library system to support the BC Jobs Plan and help people gain the skills and training they need to succeed in our rapidly changing economy."

For those looking to find work or improve their skills, the Powell River Public Library has free access to Internet and computer use, classes to improve computer skills, economic and business database access and Rosetta Stone language learning resources. Small businesses and entrepreneurs are welcomed at the library, where a staff member with a business background is available to provide personalized assistance in searching their extensive online and in-library collection of business information.

For more: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/pls/aboutliteracy.htm

Contact:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252