I am the Warfield Director to the Board of Directors of the Trail and District Public Library. I was shocked when I heard the news that the Warfield Council would no longer contribute towards recreation and library services on behalf of Warfield citizens.
As I am the Warfield representative on the Library Board, I expected to hear this news directly from the council, rather than being blindsided by an article in the newspaper.
Had I ever been invited to report to council meetings to discuss the library, I would have discussed the many ways the library has reached out to the community with programs for children and adults.
The library is not merely a warehouse for books; it is a community centre which promotes lifelong learning and literacy for everyone. Libraries in B.C. are always free, thus leveling the playing field for disadvantaged families who cannot always afford to buy books, computers, and e-readers for themselves.
Our goal is to ensure that no child is ever left behind. Warfield will now become the only community of its size in B.C. where those children will have to buy a library pass.
I understand this is a political move made by council. I believe, however, the citizens of Warfield should have been consulted prior to this decision, either by town hall meeting or by referendum.
Jackie PatridgeWarfield