How can we get our library back?

This spring, 20 dedicated employees at the Frances Morrison Library had their jobs terminated, due to a provincial funding shortage. This was reversed by the government, but funds for employees’ wages were suddenly a problem, as preparations needed to be made for a money shortage in 2018. The jobs of these reliable employees, among them single mothers trying to support their families, could not continue.

At a recent city council meeting, the manager of this library stood before the councillors and revealed her plan for an extravagant new library. This sudden “gold mine” appeared at the expense of 20 employees’ jobs, as well as all the programs and activities they provided to schools, children, senior citizens, and the general public.

Computers are dominated for use not intended for a public library. Safety fears and robberies of employees and patrons is a concern. How can we get our library back? How can such an injustice be justified at the expense of these employees? A solid-structured building as our library can be renovated to meet the standards and codes. We do not need another “legacy building” that cannot afford to employ qualified people.

A grant from the city purse is expected, while the remaining balance is to be paid with “library” money, money obtained from the citizens of our city. Already strapped with a 4.96 per cent increase in taxes, is it financially wise to support another “white elephant?” Can we create a family-friendly library, whose intent is to educate, and where safety is not an issue? Rita Nakoneshny, Saskatoon