News release

Local Library Wins Award for Reading Program

Communities, Culture and Heritage (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

A library in Spryfield was recently recognized for its role in helping Nova Scotia's youth on their journey of life-long learning.

The Captain William Spry Public Library, a branch of Halifax Public Libraries, won a TD Summer Reading Club Library Award for 2011. The library was given $5,000 to be invested in the branch.

"Congratulations to Captain William Spry Public Library for creating an innovative program that promotes literacy and youth engagement," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra. "We all have a part to play in ensuring our children have opportunities to grow and succeed. It is gratifying to know that one of our provincial institutions is receiving national recognition for its creative efforts."

The award is given to the most innovative and effective TD Summer Reading Club programs offered in local public libraries across Canada.

The Captain William Spry Public Library's youth services librarian Ella Leving accepted the award at the Canada Library Association national conference held in Ottawa in June.

"Our youth services team is known for its high-energy presentations that employ drama, humour and interactive elements to engage children," said Ms. Leving. "Delivered in a lively, energetic way, our message resonates with kids. We show that reading and libraries are fun, and we get kids excited about getting involved.

"I'm thrilled that our approach to programming has been recognized nationally. The award money will go to good use in our branch."

This year's national TD Summer Reading Club launched at public libraries in Nova Scotia in June. The program is for preschoolers to 12-year-olds and the theme is Imagine.

Each reading club participant receives a colourful poster, stickers and an activity book as a part of their free reading kit. Many libraries also offer reading games, discussions, book-related crafts, author visits and story-telling sessions. The website features silly stories, jokes, a scavenger hunt, and suggestions for books based on theme and age categories.

The program runs until the end of August. For more information and to register visit a local library or go online to tdsummerreadingclub.ca.

Last year, more than 14,000 children and teens participated in the 2011 TD Summer Reading Club hosted by Nova Scotia's public libraries.

The Summer Reading Club is a joint national initiative between TD Bank Financial Group, Toronto Public Library, and Library and Archives Canada, and is implemented annually through public libraries.