Not just for reading
Libraries today provide a variety of services
Just what is a library today, and what services does it provide? What about the new regional library headquarters, the hub, being discussed for Sydney? Where should it be located, what size should it be, what does it offer and just who does it service?
Is there a board? Is the CBRM council involved?
So many questions. If it’s regional, where are the branches?
Today with new technologies, libraries are getting much more sophisticated. Not only are books available, but films, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, downloadable books, downloadable e-books and e-audiobooks, magazines, historical records, information services and ordering can be accessed as well. Membership is usually free.
There are adults and children’s programs, book clubs, public computer and Wi Fi access, summer reading programs and the children’s programs.
Serving both Cape Breton and Victoria Counties, there is a central library, 12 branch libraries and two bookmobiles.
The 12 branches are the Wilfred Oram Centennial Library in North Sydney, the Martha Hollett Memorial Library in Sydney Mines, the Florence Library, the Baddeck Public Library, The Victoria North Regional Branch Library, the Glace Bay Library, the New Waterford Library, the Tompkins Memorial Library in Reserve Mines, the Dominion Library, the Donkin Library, the Main-a-Dieu Library and the W. W. Lewis Memorial Library in Louisbourg.
There are conversation workshops such as the Celtic Colours Workshop held at the McConnell Library in Sydney, and the Technology Fun Workshop at the Baddeck Public Library.
The Cape Breton Library came into existence in September of 1950; it was the second one in the province after the Annapolis Valley Regional. The McConnell Library was constructed in 1959 after the loss of the Sydney Public Library in the Court House fire where it was located at that time. An addition was put on in the late 1980s.
It includes the public library, the regional storage collection, the regional library headquarters and the bookmobile headquarters. It provides programs for all ages, a community living room and a meeting place for the increased public demand for programs, public access to computers and space for creative learning.
A feasibility study carried out in 2015 and 2016 has established that there are serious space deficiencies. It recommends at least 40 000 square feet in the new library as opposed to the present 22,000 square feet.
Factors such as accessibility, parking, school bus drop off zones, climate control and an aging building have been identified in this study.
The study also found that it would be difficult to upgrade/ expand the present building: this would not solve or correct all of its problems. Also, the location, visibility and options for construction have been considered.
Not everybody can afford or wants online access and ereaders; our libraries can help them, as well help integrate immigrants into our communities.
The CBRM council is committed to moving ahead with this project. The board must secure funding commitments from three levels of government, and look at design and construction.
Four to five hundred people visit the McConnell every day, and with a new library the numbers are bound to increase. This library currently employs 60 staff members across the region.
The committee members include chair Pat Bates, Shawn Bethke, Ron Caplan, Rick Farmer, Rosalie Gillis, Neeta Kumar-Britten, Eldon MacDonald, Faye MacDougall, Vince MacLean, Bernadette MacLellan, Katherine Scott and Wayne Weatherbee.
The Cape Breton Regional Library board includes chair Michael Milburn, PhD; councillors Steve Gillespie, Amanda MacDougall and Kendra Coombes; and Susan Plath. In Victoria County, they include Ms. Gina Reid, treasurer; and Councillor Perla MacLeod. For the province, it includes Kenneth MacDonald, vice-chair and Murdoch Moore.
The Sydney Public Library Feasibility Study, dated Feb. 5, 2016, can be reviewed at the McConnell by anybody in the community.
It includes appendices containing possible designs and locations of the new library. The study was carried out by Trifos Design Consultants, DMA Planning & Management Services and Breton Chartered Accountants.
Such a building and institution can only enhance the city, and provide a much better service to the community at large in both counties.
“A feasibility study carried out in 2015 and 2016 has established that there are serious space deficiencies. It recommends at least 40 000 square feet in the new library as opposed to the present 22,000 square feet. “