THE WAY FORWARD

Forward march with the library, says columnist Pat Bates.

The late Dr. Bob Morgan, one of several visionaries who gave birth to the need to rebuild and upgrade the McConnell Library in Sydney back in November 2008, obviously drew some inspiration from the research for his book “Rise Again ... Book 2” (2009).

Morgan was describing the efforts (at pp. 84-85) of St. Francis Xavier extension services in organizing labour schools and study clubs to aid miners in accessing decent housing. The man central to the ongoing dialogue at the time was Father Jim Tompkins. In describing Tompkins’ work, Morgan wrote:

Fortunately, at Reserve, miners had had experience with unions. What they needed was spirit, and technique for action. And theory.

“Books create a centre of interest, study, and discussion.” according to Tompkins. “The people can’t do this job of self-help unless they are stimulated, their intelligence, I mean.”

To him, the answer was a library. “Why, do you know,” he cried, “there’s not a library around here for miles and miles! ... Where do miners go when they want to find out anything? ... Heavens, man, why don’t we start a library here − a cooperative library?”

So he did, starting with his own books − a People’s Library fondly called the ‘University of Reserve Mines,’ soon under the guidance of Sister Frances Dolores.

Fast forward 84 years — “the more things change the more they stay the same” the old adage goes. Calls for an updated and relevant community library, among other objectives, has re-engaged our citizens in serious issues of literacy and numeracy.

We are indeed fortunate in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) to have a fine school system, university and community college. Yet, notwithstanding, reputable measurement agencies have reported low literacy rates in CBRM.

For example, the Canadian Council on Learning (2010), asked the question “Are we ready for today’s economy?” given the low literacy rates in CBRM. Our community colleges have reported on the level of deficiencies in reading and numerical capacities in some of the applicants for course entry, and a number of applicants require extensive periods of upgrading before being accepted.

Isn’t this what Tompkins was talking about in 1934? It is worthy of note that the reported average age for community college applicants is 27, indicating that some, perhaps many, have been struggling in the workforce for a decade.

Admittedly the most modern libraries can only be effective if people access and use the resource. At the moment, it is encouraging that CBRM council is taking advantage of a private sector initiative to include a new and modern library in an enlarged plan for development of the Sydney Waterfront. This is a fitting and appropriate recognition of the initiative of Dr. Morgan, Ron Caplan and others over the past decade.

But in real terms, these efforts coincide with and benefit from the extensive work executed by other communities large and small over the past two decades.

A few examples might be useful:

1. The Martin Prosperity Institute published a comprehensive Report (2013) entitled “The Economic Impact of the Toronto Public Library on the City of Toronto” and one significant finding was that the “Toronto Public Library delivers $5.63 of economic impact for every $1 spent.”

2. In April 2005, a report released by the Saskatchewan Learning Provincial Library stated: “Libraries serve more people’s information and learning needs than any other Saskatchewan public institution.” Further, the Report indicated that “[b]y helping to attract new businesses and residents, modern library facilities can have a direct impact on increased tax-dollars and local economic renewal.”

3. In 2014, the public library in the town of Milton, Ont., population 10,128, completed an assessment of its economic impact and found a return of $5.67 on each dollar invested or $30 million in total economic impact. The evidence of economic benefits accruing from literacy and numeracy is indisputable.

4.Closer to home, progress on library investment has been comparatively slower in Nova Scotia, but some significant progress has been made within the past decade in Truro, Halifax, River John, Antigonish and, soon to come, Pictou.

The opportunity for CBRM, which now evolves around council’s decision of June 26, is both encouraging and exciting. Harbour Royale Development Ltd. is free to proceed with plans for its first phase of development — a new modern library and an apartment complex. Interest is growing and the Indigenous community is offering insight into an architectural design and cultural programming that will further the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Cape Breton University President Dave Dingwall is working to create a new strategic plan for CBU. With the public engagement and discussion led by the new president and his team, there has been a particular emphasis on the potential growth sectors of health, innovation and tourism. Each of these important fields would benefit from the ongoing visionary and innovative management in a new and modern CBRM library.

In closing, the new Lunenburg Branch of the South Shore Public Libraries provides a case-in-point (The Chronicle Herald, July 14). A community working together to make its library a cultural hub of the community, an economic driver and a foothold in the past while looking to the future.

“Why, do you know,” he cried, “there’s not a library around here for miles and miles! ... Where do miners go when they want to find out anything? ... Heavens, man, why don’t we start a library here − a co-operative library?”