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PLANS TO MOVE AHEAD NEED SUPPORT SAY FRIENDS OF THE RPL |
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Contributed by Jim Elliott
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Saturday, 18 April 2009 |
 Friends of the Regina Public Library (FRPL) are pleased to see the Library moving forward with its strategic plan, but concerned that the zero percent mill rate increase requested should not be repeated every year. City Council will vote on the Library mill rate on April 20.
“The renewal of Central Library, a new location for the Prince of Wales Branch, and participation in the North Central Shared Facility are three projects in which commitment is being shown to maintaining library branches,“ says Susan Birley, FRPL co-chair.
FRPL is a non-profit organization formed in 2003 to advocate for libraries and library services in Regina. FRPL led the way to reversing the closures of library branches, the Prairie History Room and the Dunlop Art Gallery in 2003. The organization provides input on public views of the library, participates in Library consultation processes, has supported the Library through fund-raising and is writing a history book on the Library.
FRPL encourages the
Library Board to continue consulting citizens on priorities and to
inform citizens of resulting changes in library programs and services
and the reasoning behind these decisions.
“It is good to see the progress on renovations to make Library branches more physically welcoming. A
positive and inclusive atmosphere is so important for library patrons,”
states Joanne Havelock, FRPL co-chair. “Resources devoted to the
excellent staff we have in Regina are resources well-used.”
However FRPL is
concerned that the Library Board said it would have needed $850,000
more to maintain the status quo. This year the Library found
operational savings, to prevent a mill rate increase.
“Friends of the
RPL are concerned that without even modest mill rate increases, in
future years the Library will be forced to cut corners, such as to
services or building maintenance,” says Birley. “We would urge the
Library Board to ask for a mill rate that would ensure a sustainable
library system, with the knowledge that Regina citizens continue to
value libraries as community centres and learning centres.”
FRPL
has emphasized that this value should also be recognized by federal,
provincial and municipal sources allocating funds for technological and
physical infrastructure.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 19 April 2009 )
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