October has been proclaimed Canadian Library Month in the City of Powell River.
At the September 26 special city council meeting, with Powell River Public Library chair Patrick Brabazon in attendance, mayor Ron Woznow read the proclamation.
The proclamation indicated Canada's libraries foster lifelong learning; play a vital role in helping Canadians of all ages access the information and tools that they need to live, learn and work; enable people to connect with others; foster the development of ideas and a broader awareness of each other; and inspire behaviour based on understanding and dialogue which are crucial to the success of diverse communities such as Powell River.
The proclamation further stated that the city places great value on lifelong learning opportunities – the continuous building of skills and knowledge throughout a person's life, both formal and informal.
The qathet region's public library and school libraries add immensely to the culture, creativity and professional, personal and academic growth of Powell River residents by promoting and supporting lifelong learning and this October, communities coast to coast to coast are celebrating the important role libraries play in enhancing the quality of life for all, the proclamation concluded.
City councillor Rob Southcott said he wanted to acknowledge the library here and libraries in general in the community and society.
“I was honoured to be a library board member, representing this council for two terms,” said Southcott. “I have watched how libraries have expanded in service to community. I certainly, absolutely acknowledge what was put in this proclamation.
“The roles of libraries are expanding broadly to give people access to communication and information that is constantly changing in our world, and providing even greater public services.”
Southcott said libraries provide huge imagination and the lending of things, including radon detectors and various other items that never were traditionally part of what was loaned through a library. He said he can see the roles expanding.
“I also have to acknowledge the imagination of our library, particularly with one program over the years that is just phenomenal, and that is to help young people, particularly, who are shy about reading, to learn how to read,” said Southcott. “It is the reading to dogs program. I haven’t come across anything that thrills me more than seeing that kind of program delivered.”
Southcott said he wanted to acknowledge and express his appreciation for what this amazing institution provides in the community.
Woznow said he wanted to add that he sat as a trustee on the library board when the library was going through the discussion about getting a new library.
“Everything that is in the proclamation and what councillor Southcott said, was very important to us,” added Woznow. “I have a long affinity for libraries. My mom brought us up with the phrase that you learn to read so you can read to learn.
“We were quite happy to name a children’s reading room after her at the library. Every time I go in there and I see three-year-olds to eight-year-olds in there picking books out, I know exactly what my mom had in mind.”
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