FREDERICTON (GNB) – The province’s public libraries have received 84 copies of a new children's book from the New Brunswick Maple Syrup Association. The donation was made possible through a partnership with the New Brunswick Public Libraries Foundation.

The book, by New Brunswick author Marie-France Comeau with illustrations by Gilles Cormier, is entitled Friendships at Maple Sugar Time, and is now available at libraries and bookmobiles across the province.

“Partnerships like this one help us to provide valuable materials free of charge through our public libraries,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Danny Soucy. “Such investments in our library system help rebuild our province and provide an enhanced quality of life for all New Brunswickers.”

The book is available in both French and English and tells the story of a friendship between a young girl visiting from France and a young New Brunswicker. Together they discover the mysteries of maple syrup.

“This book celebrates one of New Brunswick's most important agricultural products through a touching storyline - one we believe will resonate with youth,” said Yvon Poitras, general manager of the New Brunswick Maple Syrup Association. “We were pleased to once again work with the foundation to provide public access to literature about our industry. This initiative goes hand in hand with our corporate mission.”

The donation was made possible through the New Brunswick Public Libraries Foundation, a non-profit organization that works with partners to raise funds in support of the development and promotion of the public library system. This is the third time the foundation has worked with the New Brunswick Maple Syrup Association to make books related to maple syrup available

“We are proud to facilitate this type of partnership, where an organization provides the books or materials, and the New Brunswick Public Library Service provides the infrastructure that makes those materials available to the public,” said Brian Hudson, chair of the New Brunswick Public Libraries Foundation. “Such an arrangement helps all partners achieve their objectives and ultimately benefits the people of New Brunswick.”

Comeau, the author, has a degree in communication and early childhood education and has published several books. In 2005 she was awarded the Dr. Marylin Trenholme Counsel Early Childhood Literacy Award.

The book was published by les Éditions La Grande Marée, a publishing house that has been specializing in children's literature publications for more than 20 years. The book is written for children from 8 to 10 years old and is available in public libraries across the province or can be purchased in either English or French for $11.95.

Events are happening at various libraries this week to celebrate the donation:

●    In Dalhousie, author Marie-France Comeau will be offering a program related to her book at the Dalhousie Centennial Library at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20.
●    In Fredericton, a maple sugar-themed story time is scheduled at the Fredericton Public Library at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 23.
●    In Saint John, a Maple Syrup and Pancakes Family Drop-in Table will be available at the Saint John Free Public Library in Market Square during all open hours, Nov. 19-24.

LINKS:

●    New Brunswick Public Library Service

●    New Brunswick Public Libraries Foundation

●    New Brunswick Maple Syrup Association


19-11-12