**TIMMINS PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS RELEASE**

The Timmins Public Library is pleased to announce that it has been awarded second place in Canada for
its TD Summer Reading Club 2019 program. This honour was given out by Library and Archives Canada,
along with the Toronto Public Library and TD Bank Group.

The Library has run this program for the last 20 years and this is the second time in two years that the Library has received recognition for its delivery of this reading initiative. The win comes with a plaque and a $4,000 cheque.

TD Summer Reading Club is Canada’s biggest bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all
interests and all abilities. The free program is co-­?created and delivered by over 2,000 public libraries
across Canada, developed by Toronto Public Library, in partnership with Library and Archives Canada and
generously sponsored by TD Bank Group. The Club celebrates Canadian authors, illustrators and stories
and is designed to inspire kids to explore the fun of reading their way – the key to building a lifelong love
of reading.

“We are so proud of the exceptional work our team has done to offer an engaging program this past
summer. The goal of the program to foster the love of reading in children, keeping their reading skills
sharp and their minds active while preventing what we call the summer slide. This year’s program will be
even more important given the interruption of the regular school year. We are quite honoured to receive
this award” said Carole-­?Ann Churcher, the Library’s Chief Executive Officer.

The Timmins Public Library team has made numerous changes in the last two summers in the delivery of
TD Summer Reading Club. They increased the number of programs offered and made it easier for families
to participate in the reading club. Participants could visit the Library booth weekly at the Downtown
Timmins Urban Park and discuss books and participate in fun activities. They could also participate online.

For every hour a child read they received a ballot for chance to win a telescope that was generously
donated by the Golden Nugget Conservation Club. The program was launched with a literacy fair with
seven participating community organizations.

“Receiving this award and coming in second in all of Canada, is an amazing recognition for the city. It
speaks volumes of the passion and work of all our Timmins Public Library staff. This award recognizes the
impact a library can have on a community and that having an impact is not defined by size. In the words
of Margaret Mead “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Well done Timmins Public Library, you are truly a gem in
our city!” said Noella Rinaldo, Chair of the Timmins Public Library Board and City Councillor.

The success of the program can be attributed to the phenomenal work of the Library team and broad
range of bilingual literacy-­?based programs and activities. Some of the unique programs offered in 2019
included butterfly raising, science demonstrations from Science Timmins and Science North, theatre in
the round, and a magic show.

Over the last two years the Timmins Public Library has seen amazing gains
with an increase in program registrations, attendance, and borrowing of children’s materials. The
Timmins Public Library looks forward to launching this year’s TD Summer Reading Club and spreading the
love of reading in our community, with a digital flair.

By the numbers:
• Increase in the number of children’s material borrowed
o 2019 -­? 6,834 checkouts
o 2018 -­? 4,947 checkouts
o 2017 -­? 3,822 checkouts
• Increase in program attendance
o 2019 -­? 3,173
o 2018 -­? 2,780
o 2017 -­? 980
• Increase in program registrants
o 2019 -­? 200 registered readers
o 2018 -­? 160 registered readers
o 2017 -­? 87 registered readers
• Increase the number of programs offered
o 2019 – 80 programs
o 2018 – 62 programs
o 2017 – 41 programs

Filed under: Local News