TORONTO, June 12 /CNW/ - With school nearing an end, thousands of
children will soon discover Lost Worlds at libraries across the country as
part of the TD Summer Reading Club, an award-winning joint initiative between
Library and Archives Canada, Toronto Public Library and TD Bank Financial
Group. More than 2,000 libraries in Canada will roll out the "reading carpet"
for this year's prehistoric theme and encourage children to read for fun and
adventure during the summer.
    A recent study commissioned by Library and Archives Canada shows summer
reading programs can help kids maintain and even enhance reading skills
they've gained during the school year. Participants in the 2007 TD Summer
Reading Club will have great fun exploring this year's theme: Lost Worlds.
Each participant will receive a reading kit containing a colour poster,
sticker sheet, and a logbook to keep track of their progress. Many libraries
will also be offering reading games, challenges and discussions, as well as
book-related crafts, author visits and storytelling sessions.
    "More than 350,000 kids participated in the TD Summer Reading Club last
year, and we're expecting even more this year as we unveil our 'Lost Worlds'
program," said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair and Literacy Champion, TD Bank
Financial Group. "Our club members are reading an average of eight books
during the summer, helping them to both maintain and improve their reading
skill level. We believe we're having a significant impact on literacy in the
classroom."
    The TD Summer Reading Club has suggested reading lists for every age
group. Myths, legends, adventures and mysteries are highlighted in this year's
Lost Worlds readings lists and suggested websites.
    "We want children to be so excited about reading this summer that they
are under the covers at bedtime with a flashlight and a book," said Ken
Setterington, Children and Youth Advocate for Library Services, Toronto Public
Library. "Reading skills need to be maintained and improved during the summer,
and the TD Summer Reading Club is the perfect tool to help children discover
the fun of reading while maintaining reading progress made during the school
year."
    This year also sees the introduction of the TD Summer Reading Club
Library Awards. Libraries that host the TD Summer Reading Club can be rewarded
for their creative outreach strategies and programs. Two libraries will be
selected from English and French Canada respectively, with a cash award of
$5,000 for first place and $2,000 for second place.
    "Summer reading clubs are a tremendous way to keep kids interested in
reading and to help them maintain and even improve their reading skills and
confidence," said Ian Wilson, Librarian & Archivist, Library and Archives
Canada. "The positive impact of the TD Summer Reading Club will be obvious
when summer ends and school resumes, and we strongly encourage parents and
children to get involved."
    Since its launch 12 years ago, the TD Summer Reading Club has earned the
Canadian Urban Institute Award and the Angus Mowat Award of Excellence for its
outstanding success in bringing young people and the world of books closer
together. This year's program, available in English and French, is being
offered by libraries in Newfoundland, PEI, Nova Scotia, Québec, Ontario,
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and the Yukon.
For more information on summer reading programs and the TD Summer Reading
Club, visit www.td-club-td.ca.

    TD Community Giving: Making a Difference Together

    Children's health, literacy and education, and the environment are the
three primary areas of focus for TD's community giving. The major flagship
programs within these areas are: TD Children's Hospital Fund, TD Friends of
the Environment Foundation and the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, TD
Canadian Children's Book Week, TD Canada Trust Scholarships for Community
Leadership, and the TD Summer Reading Club. In addition, through the support
of our customers and employees, TD is involved with a host of national,
regional and local programs in support of diversity, arts and culture and
other causes. In 2006, TD donated $33 million to more than 1,600 charities and
not-for-profit organizations across Canada.

    About Library and Archives Canada

    Library and Archives Canada is one of Canada's newest and most innovative
national institutions, dedicated to providing Canadians with a single window
into the richness of its documentary heritage. As part of this national role,
LAC supports, develops and works together with Canada's library and archival
community, fostering a love of learning and delivering programs and services
that meet the needs of all Canadians.

    About Toronto Public Library

    Toronto Public Library (TPL) is proud to be the creative force behind the
TD Summer Reading Club. As the busiest public library system in North America,
every week over 300,000 people visit its 99 branches and borrow more than half
a million items. TPL has a distinguished history of providing excellence in
children's library services.

For further information: Sandra Chiovitti, Porter Novelli Canada, (416)
422-7170, sandra.chiovitti@porternovelli.com; Kelly Cousins, Porter Novelli
Canada, (604) 602-6405, kelly.cousins@porternovelli.com