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- Over half a million children expected to participate in this year's program -

TORONTO, May 29, 2013 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group and the Winnipeg Public Library welcomed over 60 grade-school students to help kick off the 2013 TD Summer Reading Club, which takes place across Canada in an effort to encourage children to build and maintain strong reading skills throughout the summer months.

"The Winnipeg Public Library is very pleased to participate in the TD Summer Reading Club. The kits we provide through the program encourage families to visit their public library and make reading an activity of choice throughout the summer," said Karin Borland, Administrative Coordinator of Youth Services.

With this year's theme Go! TD is encouraging parents and children to explore new places near and far, meet new friends and try new things through the magic of books.  With more than 1900 local public libraries participating in the program, over 550,000 children are expected to participate in the program.

"Reading can take you to new places, introduce you to new people and expose you to new adventures," said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group. "We are thrilled to support the TD Summer Reading Club, one of several TD children's literacy initiatives focused on engaging children and youth in the sheer joy of reading."

The TD Summer Reading Club offers various activities to help children develop a passion for reading and to reduce learning loss over the summer. The program aims to connect families with books and public libraries; build children's confidence and excitement about reading; help children retain reading skills over the summer; champion Canadian writers and illustrators; provide accessible library activities and continue to inspire a sense of adventure and wonder.

"For years now, the TD Summer Reading Club has become a summer tradition for families across Canada, for the simple reason that the Club makes reading fun," said Lisa Heggum, Children and Youth Advocate, Toronto Public Library. "Research has shown again and again, that when reading is fun for kids, they'll read more and make it a lifelong habit. And we know that the more kids read, the more successful they will be in school and in life."

With over 34,000 programs and activities at libraries across the country, over two million books will have been read by children during the summer through the TD Summer Reading Club.

"Instilling a passion for reading in children is a precious gift that stimulates their imagination and curiosity, while also being fun," said Hervé Déry, Acting Librarian and Archivist of Canada. "This summer, children and parents are invited to explore the world of travel through stories, novels and writing with the TD Summer Reading Club!"

With the CNIB Library, the TD Summer Reading Club will also offer activities that will engage children with print disabilities to participate. Public libraries will be supported with tools and resources available for creating an accessible summer reading club.

"We are excited to work with TD along with the Toronto Public Library and Library and Archives Canada to offer this program to children and youth across Canada with print disabilities," said Rachel Breau, Partners Program Lead, CNIB Library. "Children that participate will have access to books in audio and braille as well as have the opportunity to take part in accessible activities through web, email or phone."

About TD Summer Reading Club Activities
The TD Summer Reading Club is a free and inclusive bilingual program of Canadian public libraries that strives to engage all children in the joy of reading during the summer months. This program is developed by Toronto Public Library in partnership with Library and Archives Canada, and is made possible by generous sponsorship from TD Bank Group. 

Children who register for the TD Summer Reading Club at their local library receive free interactive print materials, a reading "passport" and are encouraged to earn nine collectible stickers by reading over the summer. They are also invited to participate in programs organized at their local library and share their love of reading with children across the country through the TD Summer Reading club website.

For more information about the 2013 TD Summer Reading Club, as well as suggested reading lists and activities, please visit www.tdsummerreadingclub.ca and www.tdreads.com

TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2012, TD donated over $65 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.

SOURCE: TD Community Giving