To the Editor:
I would like to comment on Tara Bowie’s excellent editorial in last week’s Review and its strong call to action. It was also a timely and fearless denunciation of local pork barrelling.
Adequate library funding should not be a question. A public library in any community is not only a necessary service but a cultural meeting place for all citizens. Ours is no exception with its dedicated, professional and creative staff, and its portal to the literary wealth and knowledge available through the Okanagan Regional Library System and beyond.
In a world built on celebrity culture and one steadily sliding toward mediocrity, selfishness and violent division it is important for all of us to have access to this hub of reading as well as social and cultural activities.
We can not afford to have this vital service cut back. Would it not be better for all of us to have adequate funds to maintain, (or dare I say), increase the present staff levels and opening hours than for one or two people to spend public funds on pet projects, or to attend yearly federal conferences which have little or no direct gain for the community as a whole?
This appears to be a waste of public (our) money for single-minded pursuits. This money will be better made available to the library board to help keep the Keremeos Library open at least at its present staff level and opening hours.
Colin Fuller
Keremeos