RANKIN INLET - Computers and DVDs may be the most popular draws at the library these days, according to librarian Fabien Theytaz, but that doesn't mean people can forget about reading. "Reading is everywhere, you can't do anything without reading," said Theytaz.

"Everyone is hooked on computers now. Well, how can you go on the computer without reading? How can you do your banking if you can't read? You are stuck if you can't read."

During Literacy Week in Nunavut it was busier than ever at the library. It's rarely not busy, but it was an even more happening place last week. There are always kids and adults there, said Theytaz, and sometimes it's packed.

"We sometimes have 50 to 80 children here in one evening, it's like a playground, like a daycare," she laughed.

A more manageable crowd of about a dozen youngsters came out for Kamik Stories day - one of the daily programs held during Literacy Week.

Theytaz drew kamiks on sheets of construction paper, and she encouraged the children to write the story of where their kamiks went and what they saw on the weekend.

"Every year we try to do a few things to attract new attention for children to encourage them to read," she said.

Theytaz has also figured out that she needs to make books as accessible as possible. She has them out all over the library.

"There are books everywhere to get them into books," she said. "If they're on the shelves, they will stay on the shelves. You try to see how people function and try to adjust to that. It is a bit of a mess but this way they will pick them up, read them."

Kids are especially into the Guinness Books of World Records and Monsterology books, which have little pockets and flaps throughout the book with things hidden in them. "They like what's different," she said.

Rankin resident Eliza Sinclair was at the library with her children. Reading's essential to keep the intellect alive, she said. "It keeps the brain going, it keeps the brain functioning. If you're not into books it just feels like your brain gets older."

Sinclair brings her kids regularly to the library. "Just bringing them [here,] encourages them to read," she said. "They love to look at the illustrated books."

Theytaz said she wishes that people knew about the excellent resources the library provides. The value of a book cannot be underestimated, she said.

"A book is a treasure. The whole world is in a book. You can learn so much by yourself, keep busy by yourself, there is so much information in a book.

Adults use library mainly for computers and more and more for DVDs. Sometimes I feel like a distributor of DVDs."

New books are coming into the library all the time, Theytaz said. Eight boxes come in eight to 10 times a year. A person needing motivation to read should think about joining their book club, she said.

This month the club is working on Rankin Inlet, A Novel by Mara Feeney, a story of a British nurse and midwife who comes to Rankin Inlet in the 1970s.

"It's very friendly, very nice, especially for the new people in town," Theytaz said. "It gives people the opportunity to read books they've never read, good motivation to read a book I wouldn't read myself."

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