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A Message from the National Librarian

It is my pleasure to present to you the 1996 edition of Read Up On It. History is the theme of this year's kit and it is full of titles of fine Canadian stories that are based in the past. In addition to the thematic titles in the kit, award-winning books of the last year, which touch on many subjects, are included in a special listing. That we were able to identify and describe books of such quality for young readers attests to the vibrancy of Canadian publishing, and I want to take this opportunity to salute Canada's publishers who year after year produce books that inform and delight our youth.

I want to acknowledge also the invaluable contribution of our partner, the National Literacy Secretariat. Within this year's edition, there is special mention of the issue of literacy. Recent studies show that Canadians cannot afford to be complacent about the numbers of citizens, young and old, whose literacy skills are insufficient to allow them to participate fully in the information society. Read Up On It is intended to encourage lifetime reading skills by presenting a thematic list of Canadian books for young readers to assist librarians, parents, teachers and those engaged in literacy programs.

This year, the National Library welcomes Canada Post as an associate partner. The literacy initiatives of Canada Post are already well known across the country and the Library is pleased that Canada Post is participating in Read Up On It.

We also depend very heavily on our sponsors, including the Canadian Federation of University Women, the Canadian Children's Book Centre, Communication-Jeunesse, Access Network, and YTV. Without this type of support, there would be no Read Up On It. And to our readers must go a special word of thanks. Your commentary and feedback not only encourage us, but also guide us in improving the kit.

Once again, this year's version will be available on the National Library World Wide Web service (/) and through Schoolnet, where it will take its place alongside the 1994 and 1995 editions.