Tweed reintroduces bill to protect Canada`s libraries
with support of the Canadian Library Association

Ottawa – February 25, 2009 - Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon Souris is pleased to reintroduce his Private Members’ Bill to protect the Library Book Rate available through Canada Post. The Library Book Rate is a reduced postal rate allowing libraries to mail printed library materials to their users and to other libraries.

“I believe Bill C-322 is crucial to protecting library services that benefit all Canadians,” said Tweed.  “The positive response I have received from citizens from coast to coast since first introducing this Bill in 2007 speaks to the importance of protecting Canada’s Library Book Rate.”

The Canadian Library Association (CLA), the largest national library group in Canada, has given its full support to Bill C-322 (formerly Bill C-458).

“CLA recognizes the significance of this Private Members’ Bill for Canadians,” said Barbara Clubb, City Librarian and CEO, Ottawa Public Library.  “This Bill is about protecting the democratic right of all citizens, regardless of where they live, to have equal access to library and information services.”

Tweed has been encouraged by the overwhelming, positive support the reintroduction of the Bill has received from all parties in the house.

BACKGROUND:

 Since 1939, libraries in Canada have been able to exchange books at a reduced postal rate, historically known as the Library Book Rate (LBR).  Originally funded directly by the Government of Canada, a 1997 ruling by the World Trade Organization requires the cost of the program to be incurred by Canada Post.  Canada Post has not guaranteed support past the current year. The reduced rates remain well below Canada Post’s costs to ship library books, and Canada Post receives no government appropriation or compensation of any kind for the reduced Library Book Rates.

Tweed’s Bill will also expand the traditional book program to include non-print materials such as CDs and DVDs.

-30-

For more information, please call 1-204-726-7600

 CLA contact: Alana Fontaine; 613-233-8906