News Release

2000-14

Library Week: Get Real!

Ottawa, October 13, 2000 - National Librarian Roch Carrier congratulated libraries across the country today as they prepare to celebrate Public Library Week, October 15 to 21 in Quebec, and October 16 to 22 in Ontario and New Brunswick.

"The public libraries in these provinces and across Canada are places where Canadians can get real - real help, real information, real collections and real service," said Roch Carrier. "In the Internet world, Canadians continue to rely on libraries as sources of timely, competent and friendly service."

Libraries play a key role in the social, cultural and economic life of their communities. From a young reader's first foray into picture books to a teenager's educational enquiry on the Internet, from a job search on a Community Access Program site to a genealogist's search for family history, the public library is there with real help for Canadians. In the Citizens First survey (Erin Research Inc., 1998), Canadians ranked libraries number two in a rating of public-sector services.

It is estimated that there are more than 3 000 public libraries across Canada. Individually, they serve millions of Canadians every day with services ranging from story hours and reference questions to talking books and bookmobiles. Together, they form a vital network connecting Canadians to their collective resources: books, magazines and expertise!

For more information on Canadian libraries, visit the National Library's Web site at <http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca>.

Contact:
Karen McGrath
Office of the National Librarian