ola meeting space: ola meeting space -> S & B wins OLA contract!

Toronto, ON (July 20, 2010) The Ontario Library Association (OLA) is pleased to announce that S & B Books Ltd. has, once again, been awarded the contract as the official Forest of Reading® wholesaler.

S & B Books is a Canadian-owned full service library wholesaler and for thirty years has met the acquisition needs of public and school libraries. Title selection and specialized programs are among the many tasks that qualified staff handle daily. The Forest of Reading® is an important asset for the company and OLA is a valued partner.

The Ontario Library Association offers seven programs that make up the Forest of Reading® and more than 250,000 readers from the ages of four to 18 years old participate each year.

The programs celebrate Canadian books and authors; they also have a significant impact on the Canadian publishing industry for children’s books. For a nominal fee, hundreds of public and school libraries register with the Forest of Reading® and have access to support and suggestions to help run the programs.

“This program truly elevates the profile of Canadian children’s authors and illustrators. Annual book sales are now in the $1.4 Million range.” remarked Arthur Gale, President, S & B Books.

As official wholesaler, S & B Books works closely with OLA staff and its members who develop and run the program. Currently, the Forest selection committees are in the process of reading and reviewing hundreds of Canadian books to develop the final lists.

The program launches in October during Canadian Library month and culminates in May at the Festival of Trees™ in Toronto at Harbourfront that is often referred to as the Rock Concert of Reading. “The kids are eager to start reading the selection of books”, commented Gail Sedgewick, chair, Forest of Reading®. “They read a minimum of 5 of the selected 10 which makes them eligible to vote April 23. This is truly a reader’s choice award and many authors have found a whole new fan base thanks to the Forest. It is arguably one on the most influential reading awards in our country and is determined by the readers themselves.”

The Ontario Library Association is Canada’s largest and oldest library association. As a member driven organization, the interests and professional development needs of more than 5,000 members who work in all types of libraries are represented. More information about the Forest of Reading® program can be found at:
http://www.accessola.com/reading/


For more information:
Michelle Fortier, Program Coordinator, Ontario Library Association
Phone: 416-363-3388 x22
Email: mfortier@accessola.com