SUTHERLANDS RIVER – Two classrooms at the East Pictou Middle School have become a portal to the world.
Those rooms hold thousands upon thousands of books and toys donated to the Adopt-a-Library Literacy Program that are awaiting eventual distribution across the province.
The WOW Book Shop had its grand opening on Monday at the school with several organizers, volunteers, police officials and dignitaries on hand for the event.
The slogan for the Adopt-a-Library program is: 'Fighting crime one book at a time.'
Justice Minister Ross Landry referred to that phrase in his address.
"I truly believe that these words sum up why we're here today…Fighting crime is a shared responsibility, we all have a role to play."
Landry, a retired RCMP officer, said the program was the result of a tremendous amount of hard work by dedicated police, library staff, teachers and volunteers.
"This a shining example, a partnership, working together for a common goal…You're doing a great service to our county."
The RCMP commanding officer for Nova Scotia, Dept. Commissioner Steve Graham, said the program provides a solid footing for children to build upon.
"Reading gives the tools and skills necessary to provide a foundation for the future…Opening a book unfolds a new world for youth."
Graham said if youth are given a good start in life, with a focus on literacy, they make "positive choices for the rest of their lives."
Cindy McInnes, spokeswoman for Central Nova MP Peter MacKay (who was in Ottawa), read a message from MacKay in which he said the program is building partnerships across the province.
"This is a positive step in enforcing youth literacy," McInnes read.
The Adopt-a-Library program is the brainchild of RCMP Const. John Kennedy.
Kennedy didn't address the crowd, he usually keeps a low profile at these events, but in a video as part of the opening, he said the program is "in, with, and for the community."
He said it is a joy to work in a community that "is so pro-active with their young people…We only fail if we fail to try. Trying is a step in the right direction."