Literacy is a basic human right. Literacy creates the conditions by which citizens can participate in decision-making in all areas of society, including economic, political, social and cultural activities. People learn in many different ways throughout their lives. Life-long education, formal and informal, should be available for every person in Canada.
Libraries have an important role to play in promoting literacy and life-long learning.
Find out about literacy needs and resources in your community. Recognize that people who have difficulty with reading and writing have the right to use the library and all its services. Provide training programs for library staff to increase awareness about literacy, and to develop sensitivity and skill in responding to the needs of people who have difficulty with reading and writing. Make sure that people have access to library materials, facilities, equipment and staff assistance without having to depend on printed information. Provide print and non-print resource material about literacy and literacy issues for learners, literacy practitioners and the general public.