Pettes Memorial

for funding to both the provincial and federal government and we will undertake fundraising to help. This will be another phase for this library to bring it up to date.”

As part of their plan, they want to have different spaces for children, teenagers, parents, and seniors to enjoy. “We want to dedicate a space to children and to make it more comfortable for them,” explained Valasek. “Additions include a big room that can serve multiple purposes, we’re talking about closed in glass pods for a workspace, a children-oriented space, and we also have this idea of a windowed space for parents. We also want to have a space geared towards teenagers.”

They envision a large modern room, built at garden level, filled with lighting.

The addition to the Pettes Memorial Library is a part of the larger plan to reinstate Coldbrook Park as the centre of the village of Knowlton. “It’s integrated with this idea of making Coldbrook Park a hangout place for the community. It’s a long-continued story for Pettes Memorial; we are always working to keep things current.”

With these additions, they understand the significance in preserving the historical and architectural value of the building. “The integrity of the building is very important,” mentioned Valasek. “There is no gutting it.”

The Board of Trustees are excited for what’s to come for the future of the Pettes Memorial Library, described by Valasek as an ‘important cultural corridor,’ as they recognize the role these institutions play in the community. “They are community meeting places, a hub of ideas. We want to make it a natural and organic space for people.”