October is Canadian Library Month! It’s a time when we raise awareness about the valuable role of libraries and celebrate the contributions of CUPE library workers. This year we’re honouring the critical role of CUPE library workers as literacy leaders.

Library workers help bridge the literacy gap

Everyone can learn to improve their literacy skills, but not everyone can access the help they need, or knows where they can access support. Societal changes are increasingly demanding more sophisticated literacy skills to fully participate in daily life. Solving literacy challenges is key to advancing social equity and our standard of living across the country.

Bridging the literacy gap is a key role of libraries and library workers. In school, public, and post-secondary libraries across the country, CUPE library workers plan, organize, and facilitate a broad range of literacy programs to support skills development across the age span. They work with library visitors to build the skills and confidence needed to grow and reach their potential.

Read the personal stories of CUPE library worker members to learn more about the role they play in promoting literacy. And take a look at the diverse range of literacy programs and services they deliver to nurture literacy skills. The stories and services highlight the knowledge, skills, and creative talents of CUPE library workers and the breadth of programming that’s available.

CUPE library workers are proud of the work they do to improve literacy and this month, we want to recognize and thank them for all they do to help people improve their literacy skills from coast to coast to coast.

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the survivors of the residential school system, the children who never returned home as well as their families and communities. This day of commemoration is a vital part of the reconciliation process on Turtle Island (Canada) as it deepens our collective awareness of colonialism and ensures ongoing reflection across Turtle Island for years to come.

The CUPE Atlantic Maritime Indigenous Council (CAMIC) encourages all CUPE members to tie an orange ribbon or wear an orange shirt as a sign of  respect to these Indigenous children and their families, and to support healing in Indigenous communities.

For inquiries, please email: cupe.atl.mar.indigenous.council@gmail.com.

In Solidarity,
CAMIC members
Brandice Blanchard, Vice-Chair for the CUPE Atlantic Maritime Indigenous Council

Download this letter here.

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Le 30 septembre marque la Journée nationale de la vérité et de la réconciliation. C’est une occasion de rendre hommage aux survivant.e.s des pensionnats autochtones, aux enfants qui n’ont jamais rentrés à la maison ainsi qu’à leur famille et leur communauté. Cette journée de commémoration est un élément essentiel du processus de réconciliation sur l’Île de la tortue (Canada), car elle nous permet d’approfondir notre connaissance collective sur l’impact du  colonialisme et assure une réflexion continue sur le futur de l’Île de la Tortue.

Le Conseil Atlantique-Maritimes Autochtone du SCFP (CAMAS) encourage tous les membres du SCFP à épingler un ruban orange ou à porter un chandail orange en signe de respect pour ces enfants autochtones et leurs familles et pour témoigner de votre support envers la guérison des communautés autochtones.

Pour toutes demandes, veuillez contacter CAMAS par courriel à : cupe.atl.mar.indigenous.council@gmail.com.

En solidarité,
Les membres de CAMAS
Brandice Blanchard, Vice-présidente du Conseil Atlantique-Maritimes Autochtone du SCFP (CAMAS)

Téléchargez cette lettre ici.