Library Community Marks the Beginning of Canadian Library Month

photo credit: Pete Ashton via Flickr

Celebrations Highlight Valuable Role of Canada's Libraries

OTTAWA, October 4, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Canadian Library Association (CLA) is proud to announce that October has been designated as Canadian Library Month. The idea for a month dedicated to library and information services in Canada was developed by library partners from across the country to help raise public awareness of the important role that libraries play in the lives of Canadians.

This year's theme is Your Library: A Place Unbound, which suggests that, as part of a changing world, libraries are growing and expanding their resources as they connect people to information and reading.

"From coast to coast to coast, libraries are without boundaries, places of endless opportunity where Canadians have an equal right to access resources," said CLA President Karen Adams. "As members of the library community, we couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate libraries and highlight just how valuable they are to Canadians".

While libraries are evolving to meet the needs of Canadians, they continue to be at the centre of their communities, a place where people learn, engage and connect with each other. "Libraries play a key role in providing all Canadians with access to the material that is integral to ensuring that they are regular contributors to the economic, social and cultural success of their communities," said CLA Executive Director, Kelly Moore.

And with advancements in technology come innovations such as digital and downloadable books, music, movies, Internet access, electronic databases, eReaders, gaming, and the utilization of social media such as Facebook and Twitter, appealing to a whole new generation of library users.

Across the country, libraries will be holding a variety of events to highlight the impact of libraries in their communities. CLA encourages members of the library community to visit www.cla.ca/clm11/, where you will find valuable ideas and information on this special month.

"Canadian Library Month is an opportunity for us to celebrate libraries and those who work in them as well as to advocate for the incredible range of resources and services they provide," concluded Adams. "Please join us in the celebrations and showcase Your Library: A Place Unbound"!

The Canadian Library Association/Association canadienne des bibliothèques (CLA/ACB) is Canada's largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.