The Larry Paikin Literacy Express, a train car converted into a library, opened recently at the Eva Rothwell Resource Centre in Hamilton, Ontario. The Toronto Star reported that Ontario's lieutenant governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell "officially opened the retrofitted 1954 CN passenger car after being welcomed with a pipe band and red carpet."
"The choice of a railway car is really quite inspired because it represents the start of a journey," Dowdeswell said. "A place that can nourish the spirit and expand their horizons."
The Centre raised $100,000 (about US$87,770) for the project, which has a goal of improving low literacy rates in the north end Keith neighborhood. The Star noted that one end features a plush lounge, while "the larger section has one wall completely lined with books, many of which were donated by publisher Random House."
