Every child loves a good story and that is exactly what they will find in the National Library's 1998 Read Up On It kit.

I am delighted to help introduce this year's theme of Mystery and Adventure because it gets at the heart of what reading books offers to us  -  the opportunity to stimulate our imagination, to take us places that might never be possible in our everyday lives.

Reading leads even very young children into a world of new experiences and challenges and is truly one of the best habits we can encourage them to develop. Indeed, at every age we need to be committed to learning and literacy in our work, our community activities and our homes.

A love of reading is a gift which children will carry always and, along the way, become an example of lifelong learning to a new generation. I know that I still cherish my earliest books, and the Read Up On It kit offers the whole family a chance to share new adventures presented by Canadian authors.

As Special Advisor on Literacy to the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, I offer warmest congratulations to the National Library of Canada and all its partners for bringing this valuable resource to Canadians. Literacy is a great cause and their continued commitment is a service to our country.