Debates of June 1, 2005 (day 6)

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Good afternoon. Today, I would like to inform Members about the NWT Literacy Council’s community book drive.

We all know children who are read to at home do better in school. Reading is one of the best things we can do at any age to increase and maintain our own levels of literacy. With this in mind, for the last several years the NWT Literacy Council has held an annual book drive.

Those who have books to spare may drop them off at locations throughout the city of Yellowknife or at Government of the Northwest Territories offices in Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Hay River and Inuvik. In fact, there is a drop-of box here at the Legislative Assembly. All books donated will be distributed to smaller communities to use in a variety of literacy programs, including family literacy events.

This year, the community book drive has expanded to include books for all ages, not just children’s books. This is an excellent approach because as we often discuss in this House, northerners of all ages need to work to increase their literacy skills.

I would like to encourage everyone to donate their spare books to the community book drive before June 17th. I ask all Members to join me in thanking the NWT Literacy Council for their work on the community book drive. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause