September 28 – Elementary students started the school year with more than one million new books in school libraries, and there are more on the way.
School libraries play an important role in encouraging young students to develop strong literacy skills and a love of reading. It is essential that those libraries have up-to-date collections for all students.
Over one million library books were delivered to schools this summer, while about 700,000 more are expected before the end of this school year.
Last January, the government selected 72 Ontario-based vendors, and negotiated discounts up to 50 per cent for school boards. To date, this has saved boards about $3 million and allowed them to purchase 175,000 more books. More savings and additional books are expected during the school year.