MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release

The Hon. James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Commends the Pickering Public Library for its Literacy Program

Pickering, ON, October 21, 2005 - Today, the Hon. James K. Bartleman made a stop at the City of Pickering, as part of his official visit to the Regional Municipality of Durham, to commend the Pickering Public Library for its groundbreaking partnership program with the Chippewas of Georgina Island Library.

The Pickering Public Library system's milestone partnership with the Chippewas of Georgina Island Library is the first of its kind where a municipal library and a First Nation counterpart share resources to enhance existing services and enrich the overall library experience for their clients. The Pickering Public Library will periodically redirect titles to the Chippewas of Georgina Island Library and in exchange will receive cultural resources such as storytellers and performance groups.

One of the Lieutenant Governor's priorities is promoting literacy among First Nations youth. "By providing books, twinning schools, and opening summer camps, I hope to encourage reading and build bridges between Native and non-Native communities," said Mr. Bartleman. "In a similar way, the libraries of Pickering and Georgina Island have forged a unique and creative partnership which will enrich both communities."

Earlier in the year, the program was awarded the prestigious Minister's Award for Innovation by the Ontario Ministry of Culture. "The City of Pickering is very proud that its public library is recognized as being one of the most innovative libraries in the province, if not the entire country," said Mayor Dave Ryan. "While the partnership is very low in cost, it will provide significant benefits to the residents of our two communities. It is this type of creative thinking and commitment to excellence that is strengthening Pickering's leadership status among municipalities."

"We are extremely proud to have both the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the Minister of Culture recognize the work that we are doing," said Pickering Public Library CEO Cynthia Mearns. "Most importantly, we have established an important link with a community that is steeped in culture, history and tradition. This helps us fulfill our mandate of providing original and meaningful programming to our valued clients."

- 30 -

Media Contacts: