Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, I had the pleasure of participating in Carlingwood public library's 50th anniversary celebrations. Libraries change lives and create opportunities.
At the age of 12, I started working in my local library. That exposure to books and knowledge led me to where I am today.
In response to the dropout rate at local area schools, Carlingwood library and Carlingwood Community Health Centre partnered and created the SWAG program, “Students Will All Graduate”, to strengthen literacy and to enhance community engagement within libraries. Working with vulnerable teens, grades 9 to 11, SWAG has a success rate of 95%.
I would like to congratulate all those involved in this project and once again wish the Carlingwood library a very happy 50th anniversary.