BE A LIBRARY PERSON
Building upon the River Town Times article in the October 30th issue.
Today libraries are critically important for a healthy community. They educate, inspire and entertain people of all ages.
But they can only accomplish that if they receive regular investment. In Amherstburg we have a 1913 Carneige jewel - - there are only 66 of them in all of Canada. Unfortunately our library has been neglected and ignored for years. While five Essex county libraries have been revitalized, and Leamington has just opened a beautiful new one; our library has received almost no support. Why is that?
Thankfully today long time library supporter Shannon Bailey leads a “Citizens for Carneige” action group, backed by the Amherstburg Community Foundation. Together we are championing a library refresh (more titles, more computers, more seating, colourful wall graphics). As I write this Op Ed we are encouraged that people have already donated $29,000 or 72% of the funding target. By going on line right now at amherstburgfoundation.org you can move that number closer to its end goal. But don’t your think our library ambition should be much larger, much bolder than a refresh? Each dollar your donate says that you care about your library and that you want a revitalized and expanded library. The town owns the land to the south and west of the library so a modern expansion that compliments its historic facade is very possible.
However like any great cause it needs champions. Amherstburg is lucky that it has Shannon, but I wonder where are the Essex County library board directors that care about Amherstburg and who will go to bat for a library that helps make our town more liveable for all?
Be a Library Person and support this important cause with your dollars and your voice.
Richard Peddie
President, Amherstburg Community Foundation