Also don't forget u can bequeath in your wills for those you love
UPDATES- OCTOBER 2016
Kentville: This Place Matters
The
Friends of the Kentville Library have been selected to compete
for $40,000 in prize money in the National Trust for Canada’s “This
Place Matters” Main Street competition. During the competition, the
group will be working to raise $5000 to help build a beautiful
children’s area in the new library. Every dollar raised also counts as a
vote for the project!
Those who wish to support this project can register and vote daily until November 15. Head to https://thisplacematters.ca/project/440-main-street/ and register. It only takes a few minutes, and once you’ve registered, you can vote every 24 hours.
Those who wish to support this project can register and vote daily until November 15. Head to https://thisplacematters.ca/project/440-main-street/ and register. It only takes a few minutes, and once you’ve registered, you can vote every 24 hours.
incredible news update: Our Kentville Library is now moving (and there temp.) in one of the oldest grandest Churches (United Church of St. Paul and St. Stephen) in our town...... we are soooo excited...... Mayor David Corkum and Warden of Kings signed a formal agreement and by January 2017- we will be fully operational..... trials and triumph and some pain and worry along.... the way....
we are all winners.... may u all love to read and cherish books and quiet company, internet, tourists and the home that truly inspires each of us.... God bless our troops and yours...
.jpg)
PHOTOS OF LIBRARIES THROUGHOUT THE VALLEY.... our kids matter.... ensure the library is in their lives in your areas and the traveling library...because someday when they move on they will have all the tools of reading, actual participation in their community and their self-worth- which u cannot buy... the power of books, imagination, dreams in the safety visible net of a library... u just can't buy... and these library staff... are the angels of books and the pixies of imagination and the dancers of freedom of the mind through books and journeys of life.... then, now, always... imho... come visit... get ur membership... belong 2 one of the most beautiful and incredible and oldest institutions on this planet.... THE LOCAL LIBRARY.... u will never regret it... nor will your grannies - and your grandbabies.... imho
http://www.valleylibrary.ca/main/index.php?lib=1
Teen Council - Library
http://www.valleylibrary.ca/generalimages/1414677704.jpg
-----------
Kentville Library Friday Art Class
http://www.valleylibrary.ca/generalimages/1415796962.jpg
----------
http://www.valleylibrary.ca/scripts/show_photo.php?photocontentid=3148&demoid=1&t_fam=Comic+Sans+MS
Carving pumpkins at the GirlPower program in Middleton
--------------
http://www.valleylibrary.ca/scripts/show_photo.php?photocontentid=3126&demoid=1&t_fam=Comic+Sans+MS
Doretta Groenendyk reads in Wolfville from her book "Hockey Morning Noon and Night".
---------------
http://www.valleylibrary.ca/scripts/show_photo.php?photocontentid=3132&demoid=1&t_fam=Comic+Sans+MS
Local artist & author Peggy Kochanoff was this week's Artist in the House. You can see her work on display at the Windsor Library through Sunday.
----------
BLOGGED: KENTVILLE LIBRARY
Canada Military News- Small communities and their life source in our Canada- THE LIBRARY-visit our Library of Kentville -all welcome-Join the empowerment of libraries - all are welcome friend
----------------
Libraries 1950s
Library- 1930
Books and libraries were so treasured.... and let's make it continue... old and new.... side by side.... like humanity...imho
Kentville still seeking a
new library option
Published on October 30, 2014
KENTVILLE
- The town of Kentville has a request for proposals out for a new library
© Kirk
Starratt
Kentville
Library
The move
is in consultation with the Annapolis Valley Regional Library and in
partnership with the Valley Community Learning Association.
The
town’s chief administrative Mark Phillips said the facility needs to provide
6,500 square feet of space.
Kentville
is seeking proposals to enter into a joint contract to rent or lease space to
accommodate both the public library and learning association.
The
closing date for submissions is Nov. 7 at 4 p.m.
---------------
Libraries are soooo cool
-----------------
Kentville Library LEGO Movie Mix Up
-----------------
.png)
---------------
CHILDREN LOVE A PARADE AND KENTVILLE DOES IT WONDERFUL!!!
Kick off your holiday shopping in Kentville
JEN TAPLIN
Custom Content Feature
There’s no better way to kick off the holiday shopping season in Kentville than with a parade.
For over a decade, the Kentville Torchlight Parade has launched festive celebrations for the community and helped to get the kids revved up for the holidays.
“We use it as a way to bring the community together and into our downtown to celebrate and also to showcase our downtown merchants," said Gillian Yorke with Kentville Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. as well.
It’s not only a parade for the community but made up of members of the community, and that’s what makes it so special, added Yorke.
“We’ve all come together, we’re all lighting up the streets with our glow sticks and then, after our countdown, we turn on the lights. It’s a wonderful atmosphere, and it really sets the tone for the holiday season in Kentville."
A casual line up for parade participants starts at 6 p.m. on Nov. 21 behind the Town Hall about 15 minutes before it marches off. Mayor David Corkum, along with a special guest from the North Pole, lead the way. The parade winds around the centre block: along Cornwallis Street, Webster Street, Aberdeen and then finally around Main Street to complete the square. But this year, organizers are kicking it up on a notch, Yorke said.
“Instead of just turning on the lights in Centre Square we’re going to turn the Christmas tree lights on after our countdown," she said. “It should be a little more spectacular to see, and in order for that to happen the parade will be making its way back to Town Hall and stopping in front of the Christmas tree."
The celebrating doesn’t stop with the parade, however. There will be a skating party and visit with Santa Claus at the Kentville Centennial Arena from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Yorke, along with the 300 other parade participants, are excited for the big night.
“I know personally I always wait until the Torchlight Parade to start my shopping and my egg nog drinking," she said. “There’s something quite special about coming together as a community and it’s not done in this fashion very often. The anticipation and excitement, from kids of all ages, creates a buzz in the air." Neighbours chat and connect with old friends, caroling breaks out and everyone lights up the streets with their glow sticks and their merriment as well. For Yorke, the countdown is what she looks forward to most. She said it’s magical and amazing to see how bright and festive the town can be in only 10 seconds. While the countdown is a personal favourite, Yorke said Santa Claus steals the show every year.
“It is always our intention that we build community spirit and pride with our parade and skating party while at the same time showcasing the amazing shopping opportunities made available right in the downtown," Yorke said.
“We take such great pride in our local merchants, and it is always our hope that our community does as well. It is a very busy season, and one that often has a lot of shopping associated with it and whenever possible we hope that people choose to shop locally. “
The Kentville Torchllight Parade will make its way to Town Hall and stop in front of the Christmas tree.
Aaron McKenzie Fraser
-------------------
-last year-
THIS YEAR...2014
Christmas house tour to benefit local charities
LYNN MOAR CONTRIBUTING WRITER
If you’re not the decorate early kind of person and need some urging to unpack your Christmas spirit from when it was put away last January, then you are going to want to set aside Nov. 22 on your calendar. That’s the date of the 5th Annual Christmas Home Tour organized by Margo Corkum of Kentville and Susan Escott of Upper Cunnard.
In 2 013 the home tour was held at one location only — historic Churchill House in Hantsport.
Over 400 visitors wound their way through brightly decorated rooms, even some locals who had never actually visited the museum before. “Some people who had moved to the town or surrounding areas had never gone, and it gave them an excuse to go in and look around," said Corkum.
The decorating of Churchill House was a huge undertaking for the organizers, even though it was a single location. Imagine then the work that will go into this years’ offerings – four different homes in four different locations.
“These are completely different style houses. There are no two that are even similar," said Escott. There’s a Georgian, a Victoriantype farm house, a small bungalow and a more open concept modern offering. Each home is decorated by a different group and it is the hope of organizers that this will result in four totally different Christmas experiences for attendees.
The Georgian is in Centreville and will be decorated by Stephanie Thompson of Mariposa Interiors of Wolfville. As you move to Kentville you will find the Inman home on King Street, decorated by Team Hampton House of New Minas. In Coldbrook Heather MacRae will decorate her home and open it to the tour. The last home is one of those beautiful old homes on Commercial Street in Berwick.
Owned by Ashley Perry, it will be decorated by the home tour team.
Decorations are amassed from stocks owned by the organizers, the decorators, homeowner or loaned by local retailers.
The home tour is sponsored by AVR and Scotiabank Kentville.
Total proceeds will be split between local animal rescue groups, and Coldest Night of the Year.
Says Corkum, “The animal rescue groups that will benefit this year are some of the small groups that struggle a little more than some of the others."
Coldest Night of the Year is a national fundraiser. One dark, wintery, February night each year there is a national walk in support of local homeless shelters and soup kitchens. “Any money raised here stays here and goes to Open Arms and is administered by Open Arms," explained Escott who has walked with a team for the past three years.
Tickets for the Nov. 22, 5th Annual Christmas Home Tour are $15 each and available at Chisholm’s in Kentville, Consignors in New Minas and at the door of each home. Homes are open between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
In the event of a snow day, the home tour will take place on Nov.
23.
These are completely different style houses. There are no two that are even similar.
Susan Escott Christmas HomeTour co-organizer
.....................................................
Margo Corkum (left) shows an example of the Christmas dog and cat stockings she makes each year for sale at the Christmas Home Tour.
Susan Escott shows off the door prize for this year’s tour, handcrafted and donated by Kevin Thornhill Design.
Lynn Moar
Half the proceeds from the Christmas Home Tour this year will benefit Open Arms in Kentville through the Coldest Night of the Year.
Front row: Kim Wright, Ruth-Anne Stirling and Shane Wright. Middle row: Stephanie Turnbull, Stephanie Lucas, Susan Escott, Jim Anderson and Deb Moreau. Back row: Willy Kalt, Rick Escott and Sherry
Swanburg. Contributed
Margo Corkum, shown here at Churchill House during the 2014 Christmas House Tour, was very pleased with last year’s attendance of more than 400 people, and hopes to surpass that number this year.Lynn Moar
-------------
JUST ASKING FOLKS - WHY ISN'T OPEN ARMS UP AND RUNNING ON MAIN STREET KENTVILLE, NOVA SCOTIA.... it's time.... the people of our communities and churches are incredible and good and decent..... and political games are being watched closely..... our homeless and those needing help matter in our Annapolis Valley, our Nova Scotia and our Canada.... please fix this...
Smile ...and then cry - we did... powerful message from a powerful person who just doesn't know it- bet He's Jesus in disguise
BLOGGED:
HOMELESS HARLEY LAWRENCE OF NOVA SCOTIA- MURDERED DOWN ON MAIN- We must do better Nova Scotia- Canada- we just must- tears and prayers -a little good news-MAY 2014- CATCHING MONSTERS CAUGHT- HEALING GARDEN BUILT IN BERWICK NS-honour/June 28 2014- Another beloved Homeless Man savaged in Halifax Nova Scotia- LET'S FIX THIS- GOD'S WATCHING AND LOSING FAITH IN US /25 Famous people who were Homeless 2/ OPEN ARMS KENTVILLE- WHY AREN'T U OPENED 4 OUR BELOVED HOMELESS?? -Sept 24- AWESOME SHARE NS RCMP - RCMP NOVA SCOTIA SHARED THIS AWESOME RESPECT 4 HOMELESS AND PSYCHIATRIC -mental health or addiction PROBLEMS- 2do list
--------------------
Kentville- Town of- Municipality of Kings, Province of Nova Scotia- Federal Government of Canada- u break our hearts.... our vibrant community deserves a beautiful library in our town... we have over 6,000 members of one of the oldest libraries in Nova Scotia and Canada.... COME ON...
.jpg)
Dissolution of the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society
June 21, 2012
June 21, 2012
Dear Members and Supporters of the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society,
Please take a minute to read this personal message from the Board. We would like to thank each of you for your support and encouragement over the last six and a half years, while we laboured to bring about the dream of a wonderful new library for our community. We take pride in all we have accomplished during that time. We succeeded in raising awareness for the need of a safe, practical and suitably-sized location to meet the rapidly growing needs of our library and we were successful in generating wide-spread excitement and enthusiasm about a project, which would benefit the town and surrounding county in many and various ways. We were especially pleased to have worked in partnership with the Town and County, resulting in the promise of $500,000 for our capital campaign. Despite our best efforts, however, we find ourselves at an impasse and unable to continue. It has become clear to us that we cannot bring about the desired goal without a great deal more involvement by the Town and County.
In addition to many project obstacles, after many years of hard work, our board members are tired and are retiring, effective immediately. Though we tried, we have found it impossible to find replacements without a firm plan forward. We regret to inform you that, as of June 20, 2012, the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society, made the decision to surrender its Certificate of Incorporation, to allow its charitable status to lapse and, thereafter, to cease operations. Monies held in our operating fund will be held in trust by the Annapolis Valley Regional Library, in the hopes that the Town can use them as they work on finding a suitable location for the library in the months ahead. Donations held in the Building Fund, will be returned to the donor(s) or remain in the AVRL trust. We will consult with and respect the wishes of the relevant donors in this regard. I speak on behalf of all board members when I say that we have benefited much from our involvement with this project, not the least of which has been getting to know each of you. We know that, like us, you see the value and pressing need of a new home for our vibrant library. And that contrary to popular misconceptions, libraries (including our own) are growing and expanding to meet the changing needs, in this information-age or ours.
SQUEAKY WHEEL THEORY: I was told that the Town responds most often to voices from the community, such as those of the sports community, who call up the Town and loudly clamour for their needs to be met, but that no one calls the Town to tell them they want a new library. I suspect that is not who we are, but it has not helped our cause. I encourage you to continue making your desires, for a new library, known and your voices loudly heard.
With thanks, on behalf of the Board of the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society,
Ginny Evans
Past Chair
Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society
Dear Members and Supporters of the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society,
Please take a minute to read this personal message from the Board. We would like to thank each of you for your support and encouragement over the last six and a half years, while we laboured to bring about the dream of a wonderful new library for our community. We take pride in all we have accomplished during that time. We succeeded in raising awareness for the need of a safe, practical and suitably-sized location to meet the rapidly growing needs of our library and we were successful in generating wide-spread excitement and enthusiasm about a project, which would benefit the town and surrounding county in many and various ways. We were especially pleased to have worked in partnership with the Town and County, resulting in the promise of $500,000 for our capital campaign. Despite our best efforts, however, we find ourselves at an impasse and unable to continue. It has become clear to us that we cannot bring about the desired goal without a great deal more involvement by the Town and County.
In addition to many project obstacles, after many years of hard work, our board members are tired and are retiring, effective immediately. Though we tried, we have found it impossible to find replacements without a firm plan forward. We regret to inform you that, as of June 20, 2012, the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society, made the decision to surrender its Certificate of Incorporation, to allow its charitable status to lapse and, thereafter, to cease operations. Monies held in our operating fund will be held in trust by the Annapolis Valley Regional Library, in the hopes that the Town can use them as they work on finding a suitable location for the library in the months ahead. Donations held in the Building Fund, will be returned to the donor(s) or remain in the AVRL trust. We will consult with and respect the wishes of the relevant donors in this regard. I speak on behalf of all board members when I say that we have benefited much from our involvement with this project, not the least of which has been getting to know each of you. We know that, like us, you see the value and pressing need of a new home for our vibrant library. And that contrary to popular misconceptions, libraries (including our own) are growing and expanding to meet the changing needs, in this information-age or ours.
SQUEAKY WHEEL THEORY: I was told that the Town responds most often to voices from the community, such as those of the sports community, who call up the Town and loudly clamour for their needs to be met, but that no one calls the Town to tell them they want a new library. I suspect that is not who we are, but it has not helped our cause. I encourage you to continue making your desires, for a new library, known and your voices loudly heard.
With thanks, on behalf of the Board of the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society,
Ginny Evans
Past Chair
Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society
Libraries Aren’t Just Libraries Anymore (3)
March 16, 2012
Examples Of What Other Towns & Cities Have Done With Their Library Opportunities Despite Difficult Economies & Fund Raising
In many towns and cities, libraries have become the new “anchor attraction” for developers wanting to build new or re-energized commercial centers and apartments or condos. Libraries can replace the “big store” as a method of creating people traffic or community identity.
A survey of recent library projects across Canada and the U.S. provide thousands of examples of new library partnerships, but also surprising examples of how libraries, themselves, are changing their dusty, muted images and finding unique solutions for unique community situations. In downtown Toronto, for example, the reference library has a bar for wine and spirits service to compete for audiences — in particular attracting better crowds for its series of celebrity speakers from opera, baseball, business, publishing, or famous restaurants.
One of the best comparisons for the Kentville region is Elliott Lake Multiuse Rec Complex, located in a major retirement community in northwest Ontario. The 8,000 sq. ft. library serves a regional population of 11,600 persons, and is part of a complex that includes a 6-lane indoor pool, therapy pool, 5,000 sq. ft. gym and track, 500-seat arena, cultural program and meeting rooms, and shared lobby and food service area.
Construction cost of the Elliott Lake facility was expected to total almost $30million, with annual net operating expenses expected to be about $435,000 annually.
Attracting The Retirement Crowd
The library and rec complex serves an older population because of the area’s strong marketing efforts as a retirement destination, and relatively few residents self-identify as a visible minority, immigrant, or unemployed. This, in turn, influences the programming needs of the library.
But whether small town library or large urban branch library, surveys of library users show that a properly located library can mean economic benefits for surrounding properties. A 2002 survey of Nova Scotia library users suggested that 58% like to combine their library trip with shopping. Almost 48% like to do their banking before or after a trip to the library, while 24% like to combine library and their recreation/fitness programs.
And of those who said they like to combine their travel schedules with library and other family or personal chores, up to 36% would bypass or ignore the library community for the second part of the trip if not for the local library.
An informal survey of new libraries in the U.S. over the past decade suggests that community art galleries are a favorite partner in new multi-purpose projects. The same can be said in Canadian centres such as Sarnia, ON, Squamish, B.C., Collingwood, ON, Canmore, AB, or, Sherbrook, Quebec. In Canada, community meeting space and education facilities, heritage centers and recreation facilities are equally strong in new library partnerships.
In Nova Scotia, the trend is similar and growing.
A new library will be a key component of Phase Two of the Appledome in Berwick, as well as the new $32 million pool/arena/library/apartment lifestyles centre in Bridgewater. The brand new $5.0 million, multi-use People’s Place in Antigonish was designed around public gallery space and new library, as were multi-million dollar, multi-use community centres in the HRM areas of Alderly Gate/Alderly Landing, Cole Harbour Place, or Captain William Spry Centre.
In rural Nova Scotia, the property where the library is located is almost always owned by the town and/or municipality. That ownership has not resulted in dominance of stand-alone libraries, but rather the reverse. In Barrington, for example, the library shares space with the regional RDA, the Youth Services Centre, Chamber of Commerce and a private professional firm. The visitor information centre and library share space at Town Hall in Clarke’s Harbour. In New Glasgow, the library is partnered with the fire department, health authority, and adult literacy group.
The new library in North Sydney is part of the new seniors centre and heritage centre, while in Elmsdale and Amherst, the new libraries were partnered with new public health space and a new adult learning centre.
Willing But Unable To Serve
In addition to the physical partnership of space-sharing, libraries have been changing their business model of being more relevant in changing times and new user demographics. However, their abilities to offer new or expanded services are most often dictated by size of library space and location. In the case of Kentville area library, the potential for meeting new community needs and program growth has been restricted by one of the smallest working spaces of any public library in the province.
Below are examples of multi-use centers in Nova Scotia and other parts of North America.
The People’s Place in Antigonish is a $5.2million county/town project that opened in 2011, with the 15,000 sq.ft. library as the anchor activity-attraction. The regional Health Connection Antigonish, the Antigonish County Adult Learning group, and a community kitchen and meeting rooms are also part of the new centre. Space for regional artists’ work is incorporated into both the interior and exterior spaces, as well as rotating exhibitions and performances. The feds provided $1.8million to the project.
The Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre will be constructed in the Bridgewater Industrial Park at a capital cost of approximately $32million. Lunenburg County and Town of Bridgewater will contribute a total of $8.5M while the Feds have promised $10.4M and the Province $10M. A public campaign will seek another $3M. The Centre will feature the area’s first-ever indoor aquatic centre, one NHL size ice arena, a new library, as well as multi-purpose community use and active living spaces.
Meadows Community Centre & Library, Edmonton, AB, has been approved.
A $119million, 221,000 sq.ft. recreation centre with new pool, rinks, fitness centre and 15,000 sq. ft. library branch. The library space will also include cultural programs, daycare rooms, and community classrooms.
The town of Lakeshore, a recently amalgamated unit of five small Ontario towns and villages, will build a $25.5million multi-use complex that includes a $6.0 library, two-pad ice arena, indoor pool and a community meeting area and wellness centre. The new town will contribute $13.5 million and community fund raising about $5million.
The Badlands Community Facility in Drumheller, AB, will build a new library and cultural centre that includes an indoor field use, hockey arena, curling rink and community meeting/educational rooms that can be divided to small units are accommodate large groups of up to 500. The cultural centre is a showcase for regional artists, but also the area’s geological uniqueness and history in the coal mining industry.
A Unique & Timely Opportunity
The Erin Community Library in Alberta has a broad base of partners, including shared space with a nursery school, senior day care, performance theatre, ice arena, health care office and gymnasium.
Other new or expanded partnerships for North American libraries include specialization in the preservation or teaching of threatened customs or language; repositories for collections of locally-written family or local histories; sites for local farm or book markets, as well as food or art festivals; and outdoor sites for community celebrations of historic anniversaries and mythical creatures such as Pumpkin People.
With Kentville’s Town Square under increasing pressure to preserve automobile parking capacity, a new library site could help maintain both visitors’ and residents’ focus for community celebrations.
Libraries Aren’t Just Libraries Anymore (2)
March 16, 2012
Valley Library Spaces Face Pressure From Program Partners And Customers During Uncertain Economic Periods
While the library’s free access to books, music, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet have obvious attractions for families and individuals facing economic difficulty, it is a library’s menu of newer partnerships and services that are expected to face dramatic increases in demand – if the individual library has the space and opportunity to provide expanded programs, that is.
In general terms, hard economic times can be isolating experiences for individuals and families. Libraries offer strong support for early literacy and children’s programs such as story-telling, art and crafts, film and live performance, but also help level the competitive playing field for job seekers by offering free internet access and assistance, skills and literacy development, or special assistance to immigrants.
This dependency by job seekers is particularly important for lower income ranges. A survey of library users within the past decade shows that almost one-third of those with incomes below $10,000 depend on library computer/internet services for job search assistance. Almost 40% of all library users said they depend on library resources for access to Internet for school, business or recreational, while 17% use library computers for their word processing needs.
Library Use Soars As Economy Sinks
In the U.S. where the negative economic impact has hit sooner and deeper than in Canada, officials in states such as Illinois, Utah and Michigan, report increases in library usage of 26% to 33%. In rural Nova Scotia, with its older and smaller inventories, the increases range from 5% to 17%. In the U.S., more than 75% of Americans now have a public library card, the highest level ever. In Canada, the number of citizens with library cards has reached 66%.
In Nova Scotia, libraries can be gateways to various government programs. A few examples would include education, where libraries have become important curriculum supports, especially for home schooling. Libraries have partnered with a major bank to provide province-wide summer reading programs, and with the writers federation to provide authors for inspiration in the classroom. They have partnered with various community support groups for unique services to overcome individual disabilities.
Libraries are a key part of the provincial Broadband strategy of providing high speed internet to all Nova Scotians. They are partners with local and regional health authorities in the development and distribution of health information, as well as with Justice and police departments in Adopt-A-Library Literacy Program aimed at youth. The senior populations benefit from province-library programs specifically designed to break down isolation and improve literacy, education, socialization and safety.
Libraries have become a well identified space for tourists who need internet or wireless access, as well as access to local and national heritage and genealogy collections. Libraries partner with cultural organizations for artist tours, artist-in-residence programs, workshops, and display spaces for visual creation.
In the Annapolis Valley, some libraries offer Teen Lounges or access to public health nurses. Libraries have a range of equipment for loan, including: pedometers, GPSs, Wii, electricity consumption meters, or, computers to visitor information centers. Libraries deliver specialized book services to hospitals, homeschoolers, pre-schoolers and daycares, and seniors facilities. Libraries are open to unique partnerships such as helping create an internet radio station with Katimavik volunteers, or joint programs with Mermaid Theatre, Centre Stage Theatre, or Kings Theatre.
Surveys of library users in Nova Scotia place a high priority on public libraries as an important community need, with 88% of respondents rating them as “important” or “very important”. They provide “an important source of entertainment, intellectual stimulation and social contact” said the report.
Surviving Technological Thunderstorm
And as libraries emerge from an intense couple of decades of rethinking roles within a social and technological thunderstorm, the continued support of city, town and municipal councils, and community organizations has been critical in maintaining public confidence.
“Some library programs elsewhere have suffered unnecessary setbacks because public confidence was undermined by comments from public officials who prematurely pronounced the demise of public libraries, specially in rural communities,” says Andrew Montgomery, Chair of the Friends of the Kentville Library.
The Town of Kentville many years ago asked the Friends to spearhead a campaign to design, locate and build a new library facility.
“But as the age of information continues to sweep over us, guess what? Libraries have changed and are becoming really important providers of information through new technologies, new partners and better locations,” says Montgomery.
The continued support of city, town or municipal councils has been important during this time of uncertain public opinion, he says. In Nova Scotia, the towns and cities are responsible for providing sufficient spaces for their respective libraries, while the county councils provide per capita grants to the regional umbrella library association general budget, and the province provides additional operating dollars for staff and purchases.
“We have worked well with our partners at Town Hall,” says the chair of Friends, “and thank them for their commitment to building a new library.” The town and County of Kings have each pledged $250,000 to the new library that serves an area double the size of Kentville.
He also paid tribute to the service clubs in the area and other parts of the Maritimes who have contributed time, money or leadership to making libraries more relevant within each community.
Montgomery noted the involvement of Rotary, Lions and Kinsmen clubs in different Valley library programs, and singled out several clubs outside the province for mention.
For example, the Summerside Rotary Library in Prince Edward Island was the result of the club’s focused efforts for many years. Other examples include the
Rotary Club of Slave Lake Public Library, or, Port Perry Rotary Club library project, or, Blackwood Rotary Library in Blackwood, NJ, or, the Rotary Reading Garden in London, ON, Botwood Kinsmen Public Library in Newfoundland, the Kinsmen Red Lake Public Library, or Lions Club programs in Ingersoll, ON, Tumbler Ridge, BC, or Porch Cove, NFLD.
The head of the Friends of the Kentville Library suggested a public debt of gratitude to the many councilors and appointed citizens who have labored on behalf of the Kentville library for more than 75 years. Montgomery mentioned former councilor and deputy Mayor Larry Honey, who served the library board for 20 years while continuing his professional practice of agriculture engineer. Town councilor Toney Bentley, a former professional soccer player and area businessman, is the current representative to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library board which oversees all 11 valley branch libraries, including Kentville.
Community Leaders Worked Hard
Over the past 50 years, other Kentville reps have included former police officer and councilor Bernie Cooper and Kentville’s first female mayor, Gladys Porter who later went on to become MLA for the region. Doreen Taylor, the town’s second female mayor, also served the library board, as did councilors Gordie Lowe, a former chairman of the regional school board, A.E. Calkin, well-known within the Canadian horticultural industry, and Duncan Smith, well-known valley vet and a co-founder of ACA co-operative. Popular newspaper editor Harold “Woody” Woodman was another long-time board member.
Many well-known area businessmen who served the library included Doug Morrison, A. Webster MacDonald, Willard Anderson, Jack Lockhart, Cyril White, Ralph Sandford, Donald Hamilton, Jack Redfern, or Cyril MacEachern. The legal and medical professions have been well represented in library development over the years, including Dr. Percy Best, Eric Kinsman or Webbie Macdonald.
Libraries Aren’t Just Libraries (1)
March 16, 2012
Regional Public Meetings Help Determine Community Needs & Multi-Use Design After 25 Years Of Bitter-Sweet Tenancy
The area library has been located in a converted automotive sales/repair building that is the smallest library facility of any major town in Nova Scotia. Despite this limitation, it has achieved the highest annual lending volumes of any of the 11 branch libraries in the Valley region. The library lends more than 87,400 items annually, more than double its lending rates of 25 years ago.
Despite the library’s problems with quality of working space and building environment, the Kentville facility has built its active membership to the highest level in the Valley. It has almost 5,700 active users from a catchment area of 17,200 potential users in the Kentville, New Minas, Coldbrook and Aldershot areas.
The small Kentville library does not currently have enough space with which to offer the same volume or variety of programs as newer and larger libraries throughout the province, and will have future difficulties in meeting the new demands of technology and divergent needs of youth and seniors. For example, Kentville library now has space for only five public access computers; less than half the number of computers available in most major centre libraries in the province. Despite this limitation, Kentville’s average hourly use-per-computer is well above the provincial average for large branch libraries.
The Kentville Library had shared its current building with the Kentville Police Department for most of the last 25 years. The police operations were moved to a new police building in 2005 after many years of concerns with health and safety environment, structural concerns, building inefficiencies, and poor public access. The library requested but because of safety and environmental issues was unable to use any of the vacated space.
Public Has Its Say on Needs & Design
Between 2008-2010, a series of three well-attended public meetings assessed regional community needs for a library and other community services, as well as options for location and potential partnerships. The subsequent design by an international award-winning Nova Scotian architectural firm, is breath-taking in its strong visual character and its reflection of Kentville’s railway heritage, but also in its unique adaptability to a variety of locations and community uses.
The proposed library floor plan itself is approximately 7,600 sq. feet, which meets provincial and national recommendations for serving a population and geographic area such as New Minas, Kentville, Coldbrook, and Aldershot and more. The multi-use community section of the design is easily expandable to any size or proportion, depending on size or boundaries of actual property.
A unique roof design reflects the earlier platform roofs of waiting areas outside of Valley rail stations, but also serves a more practical purpose in terms of shade, ventilation requirements, and support for a LEEDS standard of design and construction. The higher LEEDS standards can result in major reductions in power consumption and operating costs. Because a library can be an effective partner to a wide variety of community facilities, the expandable architectural design can become a multi-use community centre and visitor attraction.
There are many community needs within the region that can be incorporated into the proposed design concept, including: a regional heritage/cultural centre; a regional volunteer centre; or, a regional Visitor Information Centre. Outside, a community centre can incorporate a seasonal reading courtyard/gardens, outdoor public performance and public art attractions. The community centre could incorporate facilities for a vibrant farm market site, or shower and change rooms for trail system users such as cyclists and joggers.
There are many socio/economic benefits to a multi-use community centre that also houses key regional non-profit organizations for volunteer, tourism or cultural activities. For example, most heritage and cultural facilities such as museums, community theatre and public art galleries are largely staffed by volunteers. In addition to these, there are large numbers of volunteers needed by the critically important non-profit community groups who deal with regional programs for seniors, youth, literacy or handicapped populations.
Libraries & Imagination Old Partners
According to definitions used in federal stats, the cultural community in Kings County/Kentville is a potential of more than 25,000 persons or close to half its population. It includes those who regularly attend local or regional cultural events, create some form of art or craft, or who have taken some form of art class. This cultural community swells to 76% of population when the definition includes those who view or listen to performing artists on electronic media, visit heritage sites, own original art, or regularly read literature.
The size and shape of a cultural facility can be very flexible, and can fit within or overlap the shared spaces with libraries and other users. Aside from classrooms or an administrative office, exhibition spaces can be incorporated into entrance areas, hallways, common areas, or moveable walls. In Kings County there are a few private art galleries and one public gallery that exhibits work by mostly out-of-province artists. There is no facility that recognizes and encourages younger or emerging artists in the region.
The economic and social impact of cultural attractions has been confirmed by all levels of government and industry as a significant factor in attracting visitors, families and retirement households. Most municipalities in Canada have adapted formal cultural development policies to compete for facilities, people and jobs, and in most cases, have strong working relationships with the regional arts council.
At the same time, the value and need for volunteerism in rural communities is rising. As all levels of government continue to cut budgets or offload programs onto business, individuals or lower levels of government, the role of volunteer becomes more critical in smaller communities.
The Kentville area has a strong belief in volunteerism but requires co-ordination and possible training. A survey of Kentville and area residents in the mid-1990s showed a 50% rate of volunteering. Of these, about 48% are involved in some form of fund raising, 26% in instructing or educational activities, and another 16% in coaching, refereeing or judging. More than 35% give time to organizing or supervising local events, and 15% to providing care, companionship or visitation.
At the time 83% said they agreed or strongly agreed with the idea of a volunteer co-ordination centre. Only 2% disagreed or strongly disagreed. A majority of respondents to the survey agreed with the idea of Kings region working to become known for its volunteerism and community sharing.
A sometimes forgotten social or economic factor is the impact of meetings by volunteer organizations. There are an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 organizations within Kings County of varying membership sizes, but almost all of which have the need for regular or annual meetings. A common problem usually includes a tight meeting budget, although the spin-offs include hospitality service before, during or after a meeting, as well as shopping or professional services.
The new regional multi-use complex could consider those diverse needs while at the same time becoming a significant attraction for other downtown businesses and expanded downtown populations.
The following is a very partial list of libraries/art galleries partnerships that can be found on the Internet by using various search engines.
A Few Examples Of Partnership
Lambton County Library, Museum & Art Gallery, Squamish Public Library & The Foyer Gallery, Collingwood Public Library/Gallery, Belleville Public Library & John Parrott Art Gallery, New Westminster Public Library/Gallery,
Canmore Public Library & Art Gallery, Sherbrooke Public Library & Art Galleries, Canajogarie Library & Gallery (NYS), Huddersfield Library & Art Gallery (U.K.), Hingham Public Library & Art Galleries (Mass.)
Patterson Library & Octagon Gallery, Merrick Free Art Gallery, Museum & Library, Maitland Gallery & Library, Forbes Library & Hosmer Gallery, Logan City Library and Art Gallery,
Queensland Library & Gallery,
Athenaeum Library & Art Gallery, Topeka Public Library & Sabatini Art Gallery, South Dublin County Library & Gallery.
We’re Reaching an Important Planning Stage
October 14, 2010
The community group spearheading the planning, fund raising, and construction of a new library centre for Kentville area, has entered a stage of critical discussion with the Town of Kentville and with groups representing development options from within the non-profit and business communities.
Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society will meet with council members and town staff on Tuesday, Oct. 12, and with Kentville’s community development organization on Wednesday, Oct. 20. More public discussion is planned for later in the fall.
“We are at a critical crossroads regarding the potential character and size of this important community project.” said the Friends’ chair, Ginny Evans.
She told Kentville Town Council, “we must strike a balance between what the community is telling us they need in terms of library and other community services, and what is attractive and viable for fund raising purposes, as well as what is sustainable in terms of support from municipal governments.”
Evans said that consensus with Kentville and the County of Kings is now required because the library centre will serve a distinct regional audience.
The Friends’ secretary, Jen Bolt, told the Kentville town council that provincial and federal support will be easier to secure if the project serves diverse needs within the community and also meets government goals in terms of economic or cultural values. The ability of FOLKS to attract donations from individuals and businesses will expand significantly with a concept that goes beyond a library-only.
Important goals have been achieved by The Friends, said Bolt, including; selection and confirmation of a beautiful river site in the former DAR downtown rail property, preliminary plans by a world-renown Nova Scotia architect, development of a solid Business Plan, and a series of well-attended public planning workshops to determine community priorities.
The Friends have in the past few years held discussions with several regional non-profit organizations regarding potential partnership in an expanded community centre concept. Evans said she hoped that other organizations would, in the next month or so, step forward with potential regional services and space-sharing ideas for the new centre.
“This is a rare opportunity for Kentville and area and we want to talk with community leaders and possible stakeholders to explore ideas of maximizing economic, social, and cultural impacts,” said Evans.
“It has to be an absolutely fabulous library, first of all, but it may have to be more than just a library in order to compete for scarce public and private dollars.”
Kentville Library is currently housed in an old problem-plagued building, with serious structural and potential environmental problems, next door to the County of Kings building on Cornwallis Avenue. Despite physical limitations, the library has this year experienced dramatic increases in public use of its services and programs, but has had to cancel programs due to lack of space.
Under provincial legislation, municipal governments are responsible for paying per-capita grants to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library, which in turn, provides the operating budget for its branch libraries. The various Valley municipal units are also responsible for providing and maintaining the respective library buildings in each town.
For further information, contact: Ginny Evans (evanscg@eastlink.ca) or Jennifer Bolt (jennifer@redlettercounsel.com).
Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society will meet with council members and town staff on Tuesday, Oct. 12, and with Kentville’s community development organization on Wednesday, Oct. 20. More public discussion is planned for later in the fall.
“We are at a critical crossroads regarding the potential character and size of this important community project.” said the Friends’ chair, Ginny Evans.
She told Kentville Town Council, “we must strike a balance between what the community is telling us they need in terms of library and other community services, and what is attractive and viable for fund raising purposes, as well as what is sustainable in terms of support from municipal governments.”
Evans said that consensus with Kentville and the County of Kings is now required because the library centre will serve a distinct regional audience.
The Friends’ secretary, Jen Bolt, told the Kentville town council that provincial and federal support will be easier to secure if the project serves diverse needs within the community and also meets government goals in terms of economic or cultural values. The ability of FOLKS to attract donations from individuals and businesses will expand significantly with a concept that goes beyond a library-only.
Important goals have been achieved by The Friends, said Bolt, including; selection and confirmation of a beautiful river site in the former DAR downtown rail property, preliminary plans by a world-renown Nova Scotia architect, development of a solid Business Plan, and a series of well-attended public planning workshops to determine community priorities.
The Friends have in the past few years held discussions with several regional non-profit organizations regarding potential partnership in an expanded community centre concept. Evans said she hoped that other organizations would, in the next month or so, step forward with potential regional services and space-sharing ideas for the new centre.
“This is a rare opportunity for Kentville and area and we want to talk with community leaders and possible stakeholders to explore ideas of maximizing economic, social, and cultural impacts,” said Evans.
“It has to be an absolutely fabulous library, first of all, but it may have to be more than just a library in order to compete for scarce public and private dollars.”
Kentville Library is currently housed in an old problem-plagued building, with serious structural and potential environmental problems, next door to the County of Kings building on Cornwallis Avenue. Despite physical limitations, the library has this year experienced dramatic increases in public use of its services and programs, but has had to cancel programs due to lack of space.
Under provincial legislation, municipal governments are responsible for paying per-capita grants to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library, which in turn, provides the operating budget for its branch libraries. The various Valley municipal units are also responsible for providing and maintaining the respective library buildings in each town.
For further information, contact: Ginny Evans (evanscg@eastlink.ca) or Jennifer Bolt (jennifer@redlettercounsel.com).
Let’s build a new library, together
July 21, 2010
The Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society is an enthusiastic, progressive, committed community group, which has recently formed and registered as a non-profit society for the express purpose of building a new, full service library in Kentville. We’re a diverse group of citizens working toward a common goal that we feel will bring additional prosperity, opportunity, and energy to Kentville and Kings County: a beautiful, modern new library! Come join us as a donor or volunteer and help us with this exciting project! Visit the Contact page for details.
Friends’ News Update
July 20, 2010
There has been much happening since our last post. Some of the main items include:
We invite you to stay tuned for more news, events and information regarding The Friends!
- Frances Schagen has stepped down as Chair. The Board will publicly recognize her contribution at our AGM.
- The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Monday, September 20, 6:30 PM at the Kentville Public Library.
- Our new executive is now:
- Ginny Evans: Chair
- Andy Montgomery: Vice Chair/Treasurer
- Jennifer Bolt: Secretary
We invite you to stay tuned for more news, events and information regarding The Friends!
http://kentvillelibrary.wordpress.com/
--------------------
.jpg)
CANADA MILITARY NEWS: OUR LOCAL LIBRARY- The saving grace of our identity- culture -gathering place and safe place of learning... and being and remembering who we are
------------
BLOGGED:
year 2013 PAGE 1 Nov 15
CANADA
MILITARY NEWS: Nov 15- Public Libraries- All ages, cultutures, abilities,
disabilities- the safety zone of communities who love 2 learn- HEY STUDENTS-
GET BACK UR LIFE WITH LIBRARY TUTOR SITE- school, vocational, college,
university- Annapolis Valley Regional Libraries Rock Babe!
BLOGGED:
YEAR 2013- PAGE 2 Nov.22
POSTED:
PG 2 update:-CANADA MILIARY NEWS: Public Librarys Pg2- empowering students 2
home tutoring through their libraries- amazin- private, personal and free - all
grades- Annapolis Valley Regional Library- Education is the greatest
empowerment u can have- ur're worth it Nov 22
-----------------
FROM UNITED KINGDOM AND AROUND THE WORLD..... LIBRARIES ARE BEING DUMPED AND DESTROYED ......????? HUMANITY.... OUR HISTORY.... ????
Love
letters to libraries: share your tribute to your favourite (Check out this brilliant,
brilliant share folks)....
Libraries
are in danger – not just in the UK, where hundreds face closure, but all over
the world, with the digitalisation of reading and media and their preservation
going down in the lists of priorities of many councils.
Beyond
the essential role of giving free access to culture, what do libraries – and
your library – mean to you personally? What memories do you have from them?
Perhaps your love of reading started there, you spent countless hours studying
in them, made new friendships or discovered great books in them? Does your
library have any particularities, or a special role in your community?
Wherever
you are in the world, share the love for these institutions in the shape of a
letter – be it written, handwritten or read out loud. We will publish a
selection of our favourites, alongside the letters of authors, on the Guardian.
Photograph:
David Levene for the Guardian.
Love letters to libraries: share your tribute to your favourite
Libraries are in danger – not just in the UK, where hundreds face closure, but all over the world, with the digitalisation of reading and media and their preservation going down in the lists of priorities of many councils.
Beyond the essential role of giving free access to culture, what do libraries – and your library – mean to you personally? What memories do you have from them? Perhaps your love of reading started there, you spent countless hours studying in them, made new friendships or discovered great books in them? Does your library have any particularities, or a special role in your community?
Wherever you are in the world, share the love for these institutions in the shape of a letter – be it written, handwritten or read out loud. We will publish a selection of our favourites, alongside the letters of authors, on the Guardian.
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian.
Beyond the essential role of giving free access to culture, what do libraries – and your library – mean to you personally? What memories do you have from them? Perhaps your love of reading started there, you spent countless hours studying in them, made new friendships or discovered great books in them? Does your library have any particularities, or a special role in your community?
Wherever you are in the world, share the love for these institutions in the shape of a letter – be it written, handwritten or read out loud. We will publish a selection of our favourites, alongside the letters of authors, on the Guardian.
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian.
Contributions View by: Latest | Recommended | Map
No contributions with location.
--------------
NOVA SCOTIA- EASTLINK MAGAZINE- KENTVILLE NS LIBRARY
NOVA SCOTIA- EASTLINK MAGAZINE- KENTVILLE NS LIBRARY
Bookmobile from days gone by...
We all remember when books throughout history were burned and learning banned- which still happens- visit and love your library folks.... it's humanity meeting humanity in the one safe place in the world 4 all ages and abilities 2 touch, read and enjoy our world.... :-)
READER’S CORNER
Born and read in Nova Scotia
CAROL MCDOUGALL
Since 2002, the Read to Me! program has been at hospital bedsides delivering a bag of free books and reading resources to every baby born in Nova Scotia. Today (Nov. 19), Read to Me! will reach a remarkable milestone — the delivery of the 100,000th Read to Me! bag.
The research is clear. Start early and empower parents to engage their child every day in literacy-rich activities. The Canadian Pediatric Society states “children’s early experiences with books and reading help prepare them for school and set them up for success later in life. Exposing babies to books and reading increases vocabulary and makes it easier for them to learn to read later on." This research is put into practice in Nova Scotia every day through the award-winning Read to Me! program. Bright yellow bags filled with free books, rhymes and music are delivered to new parents at the hospital bedside within 24 hours of their baby’s birth. The books and resources are available in English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Mi’kmaq and Gaelic, as well as for hearing and visually impaired children.
This work couldn’t happen without the dedication of hundreds of volunteers across the province who pack the bags, deliver them to new families at the hospital bedside, and support the program in their communities. Read to Me! is a non-profit organization funded through an endowment, with contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and the federal and provincial governments. We continue to build the endowment to ensure the gift of books for Nova Scotian babies forever.
I am very proud of the impact this program has had on nurturing a love of reading in Nova Scotian families. When it began, there were some raised eyebrows when books were given to parents as soon as their baby was born. Many parents were surprised to learn of the many benefits of reading to their baby right from birth. Today receiving books and reading support at the hospital bedside in Nova Scotia is an expectation, and parents understand that books and reading are an important part of a child’s health and well-being.
Picture this: a new baby cuddled in the arms of her parents listening to the lulling sound of their voices as they read to her. The baby can feel her parent’s arms around her, and the heartbeat rhythm as they read the story aloud. She can see the bright bold pictures in the book.
In this quiet moment the family is taking a break from the busyness of the day to connect with a cuddle and share a story. Reading together is a joy for both parent and child — but it is so much more. In that time, parents give their child the gift of language and literacy, supporting bonding and attachment and nurturing their baby’s developing brain. All that is happening in those precious shared moments.
Now, imagine 100,000 parents cuddling 100,000 babies in their arms and singing a lullaby or chanting a rhyme. That’s a lot of babies, a lot of books, a lot of learning and a lot of joy.
Nova Scotians can be very proud to live in a province that offers one of the few provincewide hospital-based early literacy programs in Canada. Every day across the province, babies are welcomed into the world with the gift of books and the message that literacy is their birthright. This wise investment in the early years will yield high returns as Read to Me! babies enter school with a solid foundation of language and a love of reading that began the day they were born.
Carol McDougall is the founding director of Read to Me!
-----------------------
THE BEST
PLACE 2 BUY BOOKS 4 ALL AGES IN THE COUNTY- AND THE BEST TOYS AND OLD FASHIONED
WELL MADE SHEEEEET AT $$$$ PRICES....the old country style store still rocks on
in Kentville Nova Scotia.... Chisholm’s.... and they never met a disabled or
elder or kid they didn’t love.... Post Office included
JENNIFER TAPLIN
Custom Content Feature
Decked out in festive colours, downtown Kentville shops have the spirit and everything else you need for the holidays.
Shopping in downtown Kentville is a true pleasure thanks to the great customer service you'll find at home.
“The folks working in the shops, cafés and restaurants are members of our community and they genuinely care about their customers," said Mike Lockhart with RD Chisholm Ltd. “Often times the person serving you in a Kentville business is the owner of that business, and they really care about providing a good experience."
Chisholm’s is a family owned and operated retail business founded by Lockhart’s great-grandfather in 1925. They sell a wide variety of products including office supplies, books, toys, games and gifts.
There’s something about downtown Kentville that puts the fun back into holiday shopping. It’s a warm, relaxing atmosphere where neighbours can meet and show off their amazing finds.
“The town is beautifully decorated with lights, people are in a good mood, and it’s more relaxed than rushing around in a crowded mall," Lockhart said. “Our sidewalks are nice and wide, and there are great places to take a break, enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate and visit with friends."
There’s not only a community of shoppers, but of business owners too.
A new Downtown Kentville Merchant’s Group was created within the Kentville Development Corporation Ltd. The group of dedicated merchants meet regularly to draw up events, promotions and co-ordinate and support businesses throughout the December shopping season and to make Kentville a destination for customers from the Valley and beyond.
Dave Reid, owner of D.M. Reid Jewelers Ltd., said it’s an exciting time for downtown Kentville businesses. He’s been an independent jeweler for the past 26 years in downtown Kentville, offering a large variety of Canadian diamond rings and jewelery, sterling silver and fashion jewelry, brand name watches, as well as many in-store repair services.
“We look forward to enhancing our customers experience while downtown, as well as retaining, growing and attracting more retail, restaurant and service business to the downtown."
There are the shops like Reid’s Kentville shoppers have counted on for years, but there are also several new retail businesses to keep an eye out for. There are so many unique products, services, food options available, shoppers can check off their holiday shopping lists in no time. “We have the friendliness, expertise, knowledge and offer one-on-one personal service that people are looking for today and is a big reason why they are being drawn back to downtowns like ours," Reid said.
For your convenience, many businesses will be open extra hours such as Sundays and evenings. Downtown Kentville’s unique square shape provides ample and close parking both in the Centre Square and on surrounding streets.
For more information, go to www.kentville.ca.
Mike Lockhart with RD Chisholm Ltd., a family owned and operated retail business founded by Lockhart’s great-grandfather in 1925. They sell a wide variety of products including office supplies, books, toys, games and gifts. Contributed
This is where we bought and still buy our men's and boys and ladies ... and the sales.... and $$$$ and the staff... PHINNEY'S/ZEBIANS
and..this is where kids can get great reasonable gifts 4 their mommas, grannies and daddies...
---------------
Love Letters to Libraries
“You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone”
The
immortal words of Joni Mitchell say a lot about the current
appreciation for a much loved institution all over the world, generated
by the closure, threatened closure or scaling down of hundreds of
libraries. And so it should be. Libraries are relevant and fabulous – as
you, our readers, know! We should all be celebrating them, show our
support for them and protest against their passing using whatever media.A short film to look out for – upcoming release 2015 – is Jason LaMotte’s ‘The Library’. It is a story about first love and the sadness that surrounds dementia but the library – backdrop to the story – is just as important an element of the film as the main characters and plot. Sadly, due to technical reasons, and although Jason loved the space, this film could not be shot at Westminster Reference Library (they went for Tonbridge School in Kent). There is also ‘Spine’, playwright’s Clara Brennan take on, among other things, library closures. A powerful one-woman piece that premiered at the Edinburgh Festival this year.
And then there are brilliant initiatives such as the GuardianWitness’ Love Letters to Libraries which took off big time this week. Here, people share tributes to their favourite place of study, research, entertainment, leisure and rest.
Westminster Reference Library regularly pops up in blogs and tweets, such as this excellent recent entry from deskoverlondon,
delighted at having found a quiet study place in the madness of the
West End, but thanks to ‘Love Letters…’ the library has also got a
couple of VIP mentions highlighting its art initiatives as well as
praising the services provided.
Mayfair Library is
another much-loved Westminster library which has received a Love Letter
in the form of ‘I am a Mayfair Elephant’, but is your own favourite
library missing? Perhaps your career turned on some information imparted
at Marylebone Library? Your children cultivated a a love of reading at
Paddington Children’s Library? Or the events at Westminster Music
Library gave you a reason to learn an instrument?There’s still a few days to contribute your own love letter to the site – we’d love to see it.
