PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 30, 2013

Public libraries and Royal Canadian Legion work together for literacy this Remembrance Day (view as PDF)

To promote reading and to tell the story of those who fought for their country, public libraries and legions across Nova Scotia are giving away 6000 copies of Norman Leach’s award winning book Passchendaele, an illustrated history.

The idea originated with the Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program, a Nova Scotia initiative to encourage children and youth to read regularly. The books are a donation from Coteau Books, transported to Nova Scotia free of charge by Canadian Freightways, Kingsway Transport, and Connors Transfer. An accompanying bookmark was funded by Nova Scotia Communities, Culture, and Heritage. All nine regional public library systems are working closely with the Royal Canadian Legion, Nova Scotia Nunavut Command to have books available during poppy drives, in local libraries, and other legion events.

Eric Stackhouse, Chief Librarian for Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library and one of the organizers explains “All Nova Scotians, especially children and youth, should understand the sacrifice that ordinary people have made, and make, for our country. Reading their stories is one of the best ways to do that.” Passchendaele, an illustrated history tells the story, through text and photographs, of a pivotal Canadian battle during World War One.

Cst. John Kennedy, Coordinator for the Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program, is enthusiastic about the partnership. “By working together we were able to make this happen for hardly any cost, but without the staff of the public libraries, going above and beyond their regular duties, working with local Legion members, it would not have happened.”

Nova Scotians are also encouraged to drop by their free public library, in person or online, to read other stories about Canada and Canadians.

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For more information regarding this initiative, please contact:

Adopt-a-Library Provincial Coordinator, Cst. John Kennedy, RCMP

  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Tel: 1 (902) 755-6031 (Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library Headquarters)
  • Cell: 1 (902) 759-0509

Eric Stackhouse, Chief Librarian, Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library

  • Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Cell: 1 (902) 331-0402
  • Adopt-A-Library Literacy Program