OTTAWA, Oct. 22 /CNW/ - The Ontario government is introducing two new

initiatives to enhance public library services, Culture Minister Madeleine

Meilleur announced today.

    The Canadian Magazine Publishers Association Library Partnership Project

provides a 20 per cent discount for libraries that order small arts and

literary magazines. The French Virtual Collection will offer French-speaking

Ontarians online reference services in French.

    "Ontario's cultural magazines play a vital role in keeping our culture

vibrant and fresh," said Meilleur. "For the first time, Ontarians will have

access to over 50 specialty arts, literary and cultural magazines through

their public libraries, helping to promote our government's commitment to

literacy."

    The Library Partnership Project will make it easier and more affordable

for libraries to order small arts and literary magazines. The Ministry of

Culture is contributing $30,000 to the project through its Cultural Strategic

Investment Fund.

    The French Virtual Collection will offer francophones more online

reference services in French through the Virtual Reference Library (VRL). This

year, the Department of Canadian Heritage is matching the ministry's

commitment of $32,000 to help develop the French Virtual Collection.

    "Just as the public library is the heartbeat of a healthy community, the

VRL is the pulse of Ontario's online information community," said Meilleur.

"Through the French Virtual Collection, francophones across Ontario will now

be able to access many of these online resources in French."

    Libraries across the province have been celebrating Ontario Public

Library Week this week, as have other provinces and territories. At the same

time, the Canadian Library Association has declared this Canadian Library

Week.

    "Canadian Library Week is an opportunity for Canadians not familiar with

their local library to come down and experience all the services available to

them," said Don Butcher, Executive Director of the Canadian Library

Association.