Aklavik (Feb 02/04) - There was something strange happening in the library at Moose Kerr school in Aklavik, Jan. 27.

The library, which is usually open only to staff and students of Moose Kerr school, flung open its doors to parents, grandparents and great-grandparents in honour of Literacy Day.

Jamieson Wright, a kindergarten student at Moose Kerr school in Aklavik, attentively listens to student assistant Margo McLeod, Jan. 27 during a sneak peak at the school library. - Erin Fletcher/NNSL photo

And the doors will remain open every Tuesday from now on.

It is the only library in the community of 900 people and this was the first time it was open to the public since it was built more than five years ago.

"It was wonderful," said Ann Galway, program support teacher at Moose Kerr school, of the opening.

She said dozens of people came through the library to read with their children. Every child also got a free book and gift packages full of literacy-inspiring goodies.

"I think they're on to something good," said principal Velma Illasiak.

"Now we just have to keep it going."

The opening was part of a territory-wide celebration of literacy. The school used a $3,000 grant from the NWT Literacy Committee to purchase books for the library and to give to visitors.

The school staff and community volunteers will open the library every Tuesday, from 3 to 6 p.m. Galway hopes to extend the hours in the future.