Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker...(English not provided)
Mr. Speaker, libraries, as centres of lifelong learning, do make a difference in the lives of children. Libraries have a special mission to young children and the parents, to encourage the love of reading and learning, and also greatly improve the education of our children and the quality of life for our citizens, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, the students of the Tlicho communities of Behchoko, Gameti, Whati, and Wekweeti provide limited library services to the children and ad hoc services to the community.
Mr. Speaker, the Tlicho Community Services Agency sees school libraries as an important part of school programs. They developed partnerships with southern universities to bring co-op programs to the library students to properly organize and catalogue the collection. But that is not enough, Mr. Speaker. These libraries typically close after school hours and during holidays. Students don't even have the opportunity to go to the community library to read, or even sign out books, Mr. Speaker, or spend time after school in a learning environment.
Mr. Speaker, Behchoko is the largest Dene community in the NWT, yet we do not have a community library. A library in Behchoko could play a vital role in the community, and in the region. The library should be a place where students go to do their research projects outside of class time, Mr. Speaker. Students should also have access to community learning resources for research on things that personally interest them, Mr. Speaker.
The entire community is feeling the effects of not having a community library. The library was extensively used by the community in general, and would provide a healthy and productive environment for our youth, Mr. Speaker. Having a library in Behchoko would serve as an important resource for the entire Tlicho region. A community library would also help maintain a history and a culture of the Tlicho Nation.
Mr. Speaker, people in Behchoko want to work with the Department of Education to identify partnerships. Currently, there are proposals to locate a new library in Behchoko in the sportsplex, which is currently empty. I will have questions later, Mr. Speaker. Mahsi.
---Applause