Reading, arts and culture patronage up in Canada

According to "Death of literacy? Maybe not," subtitled "More Canadians read a book than saw a movie in 2005, a survey reports. And art gallery and historic site attendance is up too," from the Toronto Globe and Mail. I'd also click on the Comments and go through them, some are quite interesting such as this by Kay Ay:

Hopefully it's not just demographics.I read two great books on the weekend and I think just the example of seeing a parent sit and read says something to kids. Both of mine have library cards and love to visit the library in town and at their school. My daughter recently 'found' a shelf full of books I read as a youngster and now they are hers.You have to read to your kids to get them interested and not just silly stories. In our house Daddy will read whatever they pick but Mommy picks what she will read. It keeps the books rotating...sometimes you forget what little gems are tucked away on their bookshelves.

Or from Henry Allen:

About 5 years ago my wife and I opened membership accounts with the Toronto Public Library. Before that we had not visited libraries since our university days in the 60s and 70s. The Toronto Public Library (TPL) is a fantastic experience. Accessing a huge resource of books, the TPL gives us the ability to search and place orders via Internet and then be notified by phone when books are ready for pickup. We have a steady flow of great books to enjoy. Membership is free, and donations of any amount to TPL are welcomed. This has to be the best entertainment and education value. Better a book in bed before dropping off to sleep than watching TV news with its steady diet of negativism.