Two local literacy programs are being lauded for their outstanding achievements in the fields of literacy and lifelong learning in the province.
The Dorchester Memorial Public Library and the Together Time program at Mount Allison University were both announced last week as winners of the Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell Literacy Awards.
These awards, established in 1998 during Trenholme Counsell’s term as New Brunswick’s lieutenant-governor, have been presented annually by the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick since 2007.
The Dorchester library earned its award under the Community Literacy Program category. The library provides quality programming such as Board Book Story Time for babies and toddlers, a Ninja Reading Corner for school aged children, and writing workshops for all ages. It also works with the local daycare, with three to four year olds coming in every week for a story and an associated art activity. The library also holds a Summer Reading Club and is also planning both art and creative writing clubs for children in the community for the fall.
The Together Time program at Mount Allison is being recognized with the Early Childhood Literacy award. Launched in 2021, this program delivers close to 200 story sacks each year to more than 400 children at six schools. These sacks are filled with books, puzzles and games that encourage playful, literacy-focused learning. Co-directed by professors Susie Andrews, Kiera Galaway, and Jill Rourke, the program also consists of dozens of Mount Allison student volunteers.
The awards will be hosted by Lieutenant Governor Louise Imbeault on Thursday, April 23 in Fredericton at Government House. The reception with refreshments will begin at 6 pm, with the ceremony starting at 7 pm.
Other award winners include: Doug Willms and Lynda Homer in the Individual Outstanding Contribution to Literacy category, the Early Intervention Program at Elsipogtog School for Outstanding Effort in Indigenous Literacy; Natasha Pilotte in the published author category; and the Miramichi Literacy Council, who also won under the Community Literacy Program category.
