Don’t move library

A VERY successful meeting was held on Monday evening August 5 in Mareeba.

A council meeting consisting of the Mayor and six councillors, all paid positions.

The public meeting was four times the number – there were five teachers present and we were all volunteers. The council has one teacher.

Libraries are usually the domain of the English department in schools and is the top of the pyramid on any curriculum. Town libraries are different.

The meeting on Monday evening voted unanimously in favour of the motion to reject a library 3km from town.

It would immediately exclude 2000 students and anyone who does not have transport. The taxi fare would be $9.60 each way.

And when the old bridge goes under, (it is planned to close it for four months for repairs,) it is 5/6km to the town library. When the idea of a library so far from town is mentioned the response usually is “What a stupid idea”.

And as teachers, Gavin and I cannot but agree. The meeting suggested we look at the plans for the library which will be in the refurbished old west hall of the bowls club. We went to the council offices. The staff member searched the computer and finally told us that there were no plans as yet. “It will happen,” she said but it is only a concept at the moment. But we have been told that it is all done and dusted.

The advantages of the RSL building were discussed.

It is a far better idea than the bowls club.

Space for a library, two performing art spaces and an office space for the RSL in recognition of their work with legacy.

It is central to town next to the Post Office. Irene and Gavin Shanks, Mareeba