Library Rustles up Renegade Readers

Calgary, Alberta (June 16, 2004) - Calgary Co-op and the Calgary Public Library have teamed up to offer a special summer reading program that will see kids participate in an exciting western thriller, while sharpening their reading and literacy skills.

The Calgary Co-op Summer Reading Adventure, Renegade Readers, takes kids on an adventure with many colourful characters as they thwart a book-thieving duo. There are rewards and prizes at each stage of the game to help motivate children to read during the long summer months.

"Children who keep their reading and literacy skills sharp over the summer do much better in school once September rolls around," says Gerry Meek, Library Director. "With the Calgary Co-op Summer Reading Adventure, we help children foster a love of books and reading but making reading fun."

Children can sign up for the program at their local Calgary Public Library branch to receive the first of six chapters. Kids colour in a cowboy hat for every 15 minutes they read, then pick up the next chapter and enter for a chance to win cool prizes.

Calgary Co-op member and public relations director Donna Burn says her organization is proud to partner with the Calgary Public Library in sponsoring this program. "It's heartening to see children turning their attention to books and reading in an age when technology seems to be taking over our lives," she says.

The Cowboy Trail Tourism Association have saddled up a spectacular Southern Alberta adventure package worth $3,000 as the grand prize draw for children who complete the six parts of the adventure. Other prizes include a rare opportunity to uncover Alberta's hidden treasures and explore the Glenbow Museum's collections through a behind-the-scenes tour of unique western artifacts and the Glenbow's summer exhibition, Capturing Western Legends: Russell and Remington's Canadian Frontier.

The Summer Reading Adventure has been an important part of summer in Calgary since the early 1980s. Last year, over 23,000 children joined in the fun.

"This great program has grown beyond our ability to fund it, so we're delighted that Calgary Co-op has joined us in our commitment to Calgary's children, reading, and literacy," Meek says.

The Calgary Co-op Summer Reading Adventure runs from June 14 to August 22 at all 16 Calgary Public Library branches throughout the city.

For more information, contact: Tracy Gauson, 260-2620