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Literacy practitioners at LPM breakfast discuss the future of the library

The future of the LPM library was one of the items discussed at the LPM breakfast on December 9. Despite a recent warning to members by Bunny Cobb, our former librarian, that they "use it or lose it", the number of visits to the library has further declined. At the breakfast we asked what did members want? An actual physical library they could visit? Or a virtual library of resources that could be downloaded from the Internet? In the latter case, a research librarian would seek out new material on the web, organize it into subject areas, and post it on our website. Let us know what you think.

Among the members at the breakfast were (from left to right) Isabel Allison of Faith Learning Program, Lorraine Kaczor of LiteracyWorks, Yvonne Jordaan, LPMs northern rep, Linda Smith of Aboriginal Learning and Literacy, and Joan Mollins of Employment Projects of Winnipeg.

Take action now to benefit from what LPM has to offer

Renew your membership

Membership fees for 2005-2006 are past due. Click here for membership forms.

Apply for Bursaries

LPM is calling for applications for Raise-a-Reader funding for family literacy (deadline January 31), PGI Learner Bursaries, and the Katherine Aird Hamilton Bursary for literacy instructors (deadline January 31).

Order your family literacy materials now

On behalf of ABC Canada, we are now taking orders for Family Literacy Day materials, everything from T-shirts to Tip sheets. Get your orders in early - first come, first served. Deadline is January 16. Click here to download an order form.

Give your learners a chance to earn money for reading and writing

Many of you have read or tested our Literacy and Health project documents, Going to the Doctor and the Patient Prompt Card. We are looking for 20 learners to read and evaluate these documents. They may work with the documents either in the classroom setting or on their own. We will pay them an honorarium for this task. Please recommend one or two students from your program who would be willing and able to do this.

ABC Canada and Starbucks sponsor Gift of Words program

This program will fund school libraries, public libraries and not-for-profit literacy organizations to form a reading circle or to create or expand a children's book collection. Successful applicants for reading circle funding will receive $2,500, and successful applicants for book collection funding will receive $1,500. Click here for more information and registration form. Deadline is February 1, 2006.

One in four Canadians think low adult literacy is a major problem

An ABC Canada news release reports on a Ipsos-Reid survey showing that one in four Canadians recognize that low adult literacy is a major problem. Click here to read this report.

Women’s Perspectives: A Health and Wellness Initiative calls for student writings

The Women's Perspectives: A Health and Wellness Initiative extends their deadline for submission of student writings to January 20. Click here for more information.

Shelagh Rogers to attend PGI

Shelagh Rogers from CBC's "Sounds Like Canada" will be coming to the PGI in June. Shelagh, a long-time supporter of the PGI, is willing to help out wherever she is needed. The management team is currently discussing her role. We'll keep you posted.

Visit the PGI webpage or contact Wally Stewart at pgimanitoba@literacy.ca for more information.

LPM reps attend Literacy Action Day in Ottawa

Literacy Action Day (LAD) is held every year in October.  It is an opportuntiy for representatives from across the country to meet on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to discuss literacy issues with MPs and senators. 

LPM was represented this year by Trevor Surgenor, Interim Treasurer on our Board of Directors, representing Northern Manitoba, and Lorri Apps, Executive Director.  They had the opportunity to meet with Bill Blaikie (Elmwood-Transcona), Judy Wacalycia-Leis (Winnipeg North), Steven Fletcher (Charleswood- St. James-Asiniboia), Joy Smith (Kildonan- St. Paul), and policy advisors for Raymond Simard (St. Boniface) and Reg Alcock (Winnipeg South).

The national coalition, the Movement for Canadian Literacy (MCL), organized the day for the provincial and territorial coalitions.  Senator Joyce Fairbairn, a strong advocate for literacy, was the opening speaker at the luncheon.  Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable James K. Bartleman, presented a video about his personal efforts to encourage literacy and bridge building.  Jack Layton, federal leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), also brought a message of support and encouragement from his party. 

Trevor and Lorri agreed that it was a very worthwhile day. 

Brandon Friendship Centre holds candidates' forum

Lyndon Bournon reports that on December 20 the Brandon Friendship Centre hosted a candidates' forum for those standing for election in the Brandon-Souris riding. All candidates, except the Communist representative, attended. What a valuable experience with all kinds of learning possibilities!

Upcoming Events

January 27, 2006. Family Literacy Day. Let is know what you are doing. Take photos. We would like to report how you celebrated the event.

Visit our literacy events page to see more upcoming events: http://www.mb.literacy.ca/litevents.htm

Keep in touch

Every time that we send out a bulletin or newsletter by email we miss a few members because their email address is not current. Please tell us if you change your address. Forward this on to any members who say they didn't receive it, and ask them to send us their address. When you renew your membership, make sure you print your email address clearly.