CELEBRATING LIBRARY WEEK IN SASKATCHEWAN

Learning Minister Andrew Thomson helped launch Library Week 2005 today at the Legislative Library. The focus is Libraries Online, a promotional campaign highlighting online services provided by Saskatchewan libraries.

"Libraries support cultural development and provide equitable access to global information and knowledge," Thomson said. "We see this in the services made available by innovative partnerships in Saskatchewan's library community to improve access to library resources through online services."

Library Week 2005 is being celebrated Oct. 17th–23rd with various public activities in libraries across the province that demonstrate the quality of Saskatchewan libraries. This year's theme is Rediscover Saskatchewan @ your library, to commemorate Saskatchewan's Centennial and to emphasize the promotional campaign for online services. Online magazines, journals, newspapers, library catalogues and the "Ask a Librarian" service are available from online, allowing users to access library resources from the convenience of their home or workplace.

"Saskatchewan libraries play an important role in literacy development and strong literacy skills are the foundation of lifelong learning," Thomson said. "Literacy skills make it possible for people to participate successfully in the labour market and to create a better quality of life for themselves and their families."

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Saskatchewan Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609