Provincial literacy resource centre focus of study

A project to determine the feasibility of establishing a provincial literacy resource centre is well under way in the Central Division of the Provincial Public Libraries. The pilot project is funded through a grant from the National Literacy Secretariat, and conducted in conjunction with the Central Community College and the library.

As part of the project, a needs assessment is being conducted to determine the feasibility of establishing a provincial literacy resource centre. This centre would be a one-stop shopping source for literacy resources in the province. The viability of this proposal will depend on the cost effectiveness of such a service and the level of user need. A two-part survey has been mailed to approximately 200 people involved in literacy in the province.

"The purpose of the survey is to give us some basic information regarding the literacy services provided by various agencies and, as well, to inform us of the information services they require," says Patricia Parsons of the Central Regional Libraries. "All literacy practitioners, whom we have contacted, have been asked to send us copies of any materials that they have developed."

The second goal of this pilot project is to acquire, and prepare for circulation, a collection of literacy materials developed in the province. This will include instructional materials, both published and unpublished, learners' publications, training, and research materials. When compiled and catalogued, it can become part of the library's provincial database. It is hoped this information will be accessible through CD-ROM and the St. John's Infonet. It is also hoped that this will give the public access to the wealth of literacy material that already exists in this province.

Completed surveys are starting to arrive in the mail.

"If you haven't returned your survey, or if you have some locally published literacy materials in your office, why not forward them to us to share with others in the province," says Ms. Parsons.

For more information please contact Ida Keough at the Gander Public Library at 256-4491.

Bonavista Peninsula and Surrounding Area

Beehive of literacy activity

Debbie Stone is replacing Michelle Brown as the Literacy Outreach Worker for Bonavista Peninsula and Surrounding Area. Michelle is on maternity leave and is now the proud mom of Stephen. We extend congratulations and best wishes to Michelle and Tony.

Ms. Stone assumed the duties on January 6 and has been working with various groups and organizations in the area. Several literacy initiatives have been reached, or are nearing completion. One such initiative is the book King's Cove Head, which explores the history of the King's Cove Lighthouse. This book is primarily published to meet the needs of adult learners by providing them with relevant Level 1 reading material.

Another initiative also includes the creation of reading material for learners. The Trinity Placentia Development Association is currently completing a book on resettlement, past and present. As well, the Ability Employment Corporation is working with two individuals with disabilities, who are writing a book on their experiences.

The Bonavista South Development Association applied for funding on behalf of the Discovery Trail Committee. The money will be used to produce learning packages that will focus on the Discovery Trail area. These projects will provide an excellent resource for people in the region and province.

The Bonavista to English Harbour Development Association, in conjunction with the Bonavista Area Regional Development Association, has received funding for a Youth Literacy and Theatre Project. This project is aimed at high-risk youth who did not have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education. This promises to be a worthwhile project for these youth, as well as the parents and children in the area.

Other groups and organizations, such as the Bonavista Area and Clarenville Area Literacy Focus Groups, the Early Intervention Committee for Arnold's Cove, Random Island Youth Literacy Committee, Eastern College, School District No. 8, Southwest Arm Regional Development Association and Random North Development Association have all implemented initiatives in the area.

"I congratulate all those involved in the effort to combat the problem of illiteracy in our area," says Ms. Stone, "Without groups, organizations and individuals such as those, we would not be making the strides forward that we have been making for the cause of literacy."