News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Staff at New Brunswick public libraries will be launching the Summer Reading Club in their communities throughout the month of June.

“These clubs are a fun way for children to enjoy reading over the summer break,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Francine Landry. “This initiative encourages children to read and reinforces lessons from the school year. New Brunswick families benefit from partaking in Summer Reading Club activities, which build fundamental literacy skills and lead to lifelong learning.”

Children of all ages are invited to join the free library program during June, July and August. This year’s theme is Fur, Feathers and Scales (Animals), and the slogan is Reading Tails.

Summer Reading Club participants are invited to learn about the unique characteristics of different animals, some that they may encounter in their daily lives and others through books and other media. The experience will give children the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation of nature and of animal habitats.

Last year, there were 11,647 registrants and 291,885 books read.

This year the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour has invested more than $330,000 to provide 74 summer jobs for university or college students to serve as Summer Reading Club activity leaders. The jobs are intended to provide young workers with skills and work experience to help with their future success in the labour market.

Registration for the Summer Reading Club is now open at all public libraries and online. Children will also find games, videos and a secret mission challenge on the site, as well as suggested reading lists, including books that are available for children with print disabilities.

More information about the Summer Reading Club launch in the various communities is available at local public libraries. Contact information can be found on the New Brunswick Public Library Service website.