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April 21, 2009
For immediate release

Confederation Centre Public Library Enhances Services for Newcomers

Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour

The Confederation Centre Public Library has added staff and resources to help serve newcomers to Prince Edward Island.

The library has recently received a selection of Chinese books, which will be processed and available for lending in the near future. By continually adding to both print and electronic language learning resources, the library will be able to offer fiction and non-fiction Chinese material for readers of all ages.

“Earlier this year, the Confederation Centre Public Library added a staff person to their team who speaks both Mandarin and Japanese,” said Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “I am very pleased that the addition of a multi-lingual employee can now enhance this important service by welcoming new Islanders, advising newcomers of library services and providing assistance in accessing the library's collection.”

The library has developed an English as an Additional Language (EAL) tutor training program which has been used to train more than 140 volunteers. Through partnership with the Newcomers Association, and a grant from the Population Secretariat, the library has been building upon the success of its tutor training program, training much-needed tutors in the Charlottetown area and expanding training outside of Charlottetown.

The library also provides language learning software, a significant print and audio collection for both tutors and learners, and a comfortable learning environment. All resources are available to any Islander with a free library card. Library materials can be reserved in person at any of the 26 public libraries, or online at www.library.pe.ca. Materials will be delivered your local library for pick up.

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Media Contact: Connie McNeill
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