Province is stocking the shelves at local school libraries

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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New books have arrived in Nipissing-area elementary school libraries – helping students improve their literacy skills and develop a love of reading.

Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord has purchased about 499 new books.

Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de L’Ontario has purchased about 1892 new books.

Near North District School Board has purchased 20,594 new books.

Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board has purchased 5,401 new books.

The province negotiated with selected vendors to provide school boards with discounts of up to 50 per cent. These discounts saved school boards across Ontario about $6 million and allowed them to purchase more than two million books – 350,000 more than if they had bought the books independently.

The discount agreements with most vendors have been extended for another year, allowing boards to continue to save money when purchasing books – and helping students to continue to benefit from updated library collections.

“By ensuring that our elementary school libraries are stocked with up-to-date and affordable books and resources, we’re giving students more tools to excel at school and preparing them for future success,” said Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Education.

“Reading is about more than just practising the ABCs. It allows students to discover exciting new characters, places and adventures. With a refreshed library collection, our students will be able to enjoy even more books as they learn to read and develop a love of reading,” said Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing.

QUICK FACTS

To purchase more new books, Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord received $58,585, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de L’Ontario received $27,360, the Near North District School Board received $167,936 and the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board received $58,577 in targeted funding from the Ontario government; they were also able to use their regular funding to purchase books using the negotiated discounts.

Across the province, boards received an initial investment of $15 million in February 2009 and an additional $10 million in May 2009, for a total investment of $25 million to date.

The books were purchased from among 72 selected vendors – all with a presence in Ontario — that agreed to the negotiated discount.

Over 40,000 additional Grade 3, 6 and 9 students are meeting or exceeding the provincial standard in reading, writing and math, compared to six years ago.

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