School libraries help create lifelong readers and learners

PEI Teacher-Librarian Association President Carrie St. Jean with Minister Currie and students at Glen Stewart Primary School.

During School Libraries Week, Island schools are finding fun and engaging ways to celebrate how their libraries help to develop students into lifelong readers and learners.

Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie is one of several guest readers and local authors visiting school libraries this week to read to children.

“For many students, the school library is their first library experience and a place where they learn to love reading, find and process information, and develop digital literacies,” Minister Currie said. "For teachers, these valuable assets offer a wealth of information to encourage inquiry-based learning and develop 21st century learners.”

PEI Teacher-Librarian Association President Carrie St. Jean said the week is a time to celebrate libraries and teacher-librarians as important literacy partners in schools.

“We help children develop a love of reading and lifelong learning, which is fundamental to their success as engaged citizens,” she said. “We support classroom teachers with resources that enrich their curriculum and help them support struggling readers by putting just the right book in their hands.”

Although library resources are changing, the mission of school libraries remains the same. Teacher-librarians are leaders in the use of digital technologies. They help students learn independently by providing expert advice in locating and using high quality information, using safe and efficient online searching strategies.
Charlotte Bryand is the recipient of the 2016 PEI Teacher-Librarian Administrator’s Award. Ms. Bryand is the principal at Glen Stewart Primary School. The award recognizes administrators who support and champion school libraries.

Parents are asked to get to know their school library, encourage their children to visit them and talk to them about their library experiences. For more information, visit your school’s web site.

Media contact:
Jean Doherty
Education, Early Learning and Culture
902 314 5702
jmdoherty@gov.pe.ca

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