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International School Library Day - Draft Press Release

This draft press release is provided to help school library personnel to prepare press releases for their own local activities. It has space to insert the name of the school or other organisation, and a description of the activity and its intended "audience" or interest group. It is suggested that this draft be used only as a guide -- the best press releases are those that are written with the needs of the local people in mind.

DRAFT PRESS RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LIBRARY DAY (ISLD)

October 22nd is International School Library Day 2007. In common with many other schools around the world, [name of your school] will be celebrating this day with some special activities for [parents, teachers, and/or students]. International School Library Day was proclaimed in 1999 by IASL President Blanche Woolls and has been reaffirmed in 2005 by IASL President Peter Genco. The International Association of School Librarianship first celebrated ISLD in October of 1999. The aim of this special day is to draw attention to the importance of school libraries in the education of our children. Research continues to show that students achieve more in their school work when they have access to a school library with a good collection and strong educational programs. In addition, students become better readers when the have access to a school library and books to read. This year, the theme for International School Library Day is "Reading. Knowing. Doing." This highlights the connection between reading and the application of knowledge. School libraries promote reading and literacy skills, as well as information skills. They help to provide the foundations for lifelong learning. School libraries matter and make a difference! At [name of your school], the school library will be taking part in International School Library Day celebrations by [describe your activity -- indicate the location, the time, the students and/or teachers taking part -- state what the outcome of the activity will be. If parents and/or members of the public are invited, say so]. Some of the international activities for this day will appear on the World Wide Web site of IASL, called "School Libraries Online" (www.iasl-online.org). Like other schools around the world, the [name of your school] will be sending a report of the local International School Library Day activity to the IASL Web site, where it will be available for other schools to read.

For more information, contact: [provide a contact name, address, phone number, and, if appropriate, email address]

Last updated 7 September 2007 (KSB)