The Honourable Kelvin Goertzen, Minister of Education and Training, has proclaimed October 28 as Manitoba School Library Day/Journée des bibliothèques scolaires du Manitoba. 

In Louis Riel School Division, the Library Learning Commons is a vibrant learning environment where curiosity, inquiry, discovery and creativity inspire learners of all ages. Educational research confirms there is a direct correlation between a "well-staffed, well-stocked, and well-used" library and increased student achievement (Oberg, 2012; Lance & Kachel, 2018). School library personnel support the "how to learn" foundation that is not only engaging and relevant for today's learners, but essential to the heart of a school's work and purpose.

The 2019 theme for Manitoba School Library Day is "School Libraries Change Lives," which speaks directly to a library's commitment to literacy and learning, equity, and democracy.  School libraries "change lives" by offering students, staff and communities a place to learn, create and belong. They are the great equalizer because they serve everyone and foster a culture of inclusion where all students and staff see themselves represented. School libraries also create a culture of inquiry and responsibility as the acquisition of information develops self-confidence and how we value learning as a lifelong journey. For many students and their families, school libraries are community libraries where open access to resources, information, and technology is unconditional. School libraries continue to create a culture of caring and collaboration as we learn and work together.

Happy Manitoba School Library Day to all our LRSD school library personnel that includes library assistants, technicians, and teacher-librarians.  On October 28 and throughout the school year, we proudly recognize our division's ongoing investment in the value of school libraries and the dedicated work of all school library personnel. Thank you for all your support and dedication to promote literacy and learning as a lifestyle and to nurture thriving reading communities across our school division.

"My hope is that, by celebrating Manitoba School Library Day, it will provide teachers and students with an opportunity to acknowledge the important role school libraries play in the academic and cultural lives of our students."
– The Honourable Kelvin Goertzen, Minister of Education and Training (2019)