By Matt Prokopchuk
Despite being one of the largest metropolitan library systems in the country and the largest bilingual library in North America, the Ottawa Public Library is funded at a lower per capita rate than average, library advocates say.
Baseline Ward Coun. Rick Chiarelli and city librarian Barbara Clubb were among those who addressed a public meeting held last month to discuss the present and future of the library and its services.
Chiarelli, who is also chair of the library board, says that some community members are creating the impression that too much is spent on libraries and are pressuring city council to cut the library budget.
“As long as we don’t challenge it, the lie becomes the truth,” he told the audience of about 100 people.
Chiarelli said the library and its supporters need to reach those in the “mushy middle” – a term he jokingly used to describe those who don’t have a strong position on either side.
In March, several library branches were slated for closure to save $1.6 million but public protest resulted in all branches remaining open.
“I think the response from the public was strong and forceful,” Chiarelli said. “Councillors who were library opponents before became library advocates,” he said. “It was a learning experience.”
City librarian Clubb reassured the public that no further branch closures are planned.
Much of the library’s current budget is going towards the construction of the new South Central District Library, which will serve the former Ottawa South and South Gloucester areas. Upgrading the library’s computer systems, buying new materials and maintenance are also high priorities.
Although it appears the city won’t be losing any branches, some users are still concerned.
Standing outside the main library on Metcalfe Street, library patron Jim Morrison says that shortened weekend hours and summer closures are signs that all may not be well. “By the looks of things it could probably use more money,” he says.
According to Mona Forrest, the executive director of the Ottawa Public Library Foundation, supporting the library is not hard.
“Make sure you have a library card and use it,” she says. “One of the best ways to support the library is to use your card.”
The foundation was established in 2002 to raise money and awareness for the library; much of this is done through their website which is being upgraded to include more information on library services.
“Through the website, we’re trying to keep the public informed about what’s happening with the library,” Forrest says. “We want to raise awareness.”
She also encourages people to attend the various public information meetings to raise concerns and stay informed.