OTTAWA, ONTARIO - MP Greg Rickford is lending his support to MP Merv Tweed’s (Brandon-Souris) Private Member’s Bill C-509, to support local libraries.
 
“I am supporting C-509 because it will put more money in the hands of local libraries,” says Mr. Rickford.  “The less money libraries have to spend on postage the more money they will have for new library materials.”
 
The Library Book Rate, under its current form, is a discounted postage rate offered by Canada Post to libraries for shipping books.  Through interlibrary loans, local branches are able to offer a much larger collection of materials to local library users. Bill C-509 will for the first time, legislate the Library Book Rate and expand it to include other library materials in addition to books, such as CD’s and DVD’s.
 
Approximately 65% of volumes mailed under the Library Book Rate are destined for libraries and library users in small towns and rural locations, thereby allowing Canadians to access the collections held in libraries across the country.
 
Libraries are a cornerstone for public information, literacy and early childhood activities across the country, and play a crucial role in offering services to new immigrants and in supporting citizen engagement.  Improving the literacy and essential skills of Canadians is a key part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to building a highly skilled, adaptable, and competitive workforce.  The Government looks forward to continuing its support of this initiative.