News Release
            May 6th, 2005


            Diana Whalen, MLA Education Critic




            For Immediate Release


LIBERALS INTRODUCE BILL ENHANCING SCHOOL LIBRARIES






            (Halifax, NS) Liberal Education Critic Diana Whalen introduced a bill in the House of Assembly today entitled the 'Right to Read Act.'

            Highlights of the Act include ensuring that every school has a library with centers for students to improve their reading, research and problem-solving skills. It also outlines a number of objectives to be monitored and maintained for each school region.

            "It is simply unacceptable that the library expenditures in this province are below the national average," said Whalen. "Students deserve a designated librarian to help them enjoy reading, and to work on some of the fundamental areas of learning."





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            For more information contact:
            Peter Verner, Director of Communications, (902) 424-8637, (902) 499-1455
            or e-mail: [log in to unmask]



N.B. The text of Bill 196 can be found at http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/