This letter of support is from Diane Greenfield:
"I have been absolutely flummoxed, and enraged by the action of TINY Council and its making an arbitrary decision about funding for the libraries.
There are so many reasons why this is a very poorly thought out idea. The actual cost of creating a Library, staffing it, heating it and keeping it current and relevant with reading material, and digitally accessible and central enough so that it is a reasonable destination for most citizens of tiny Township…. are the overwhelming ones that have not been addressed in anyway.
I have lived in this Township for over 40 years and we have fought this battle before… I spent 23 years fundraising for the Penetanguishene and Midland Public Libraries because I believe in the important function it plays in the social fabric of community. The rumor of a new tiny Township center with possibly a library on Concession 8 will serve only the township employees…. That will never be a destination for taking your family to spend a couple of idle hours. How many years will it take to create a viable facility comparable to the two that we have already invested in.
The only way of having any discussion is if there is sufficient outcry. If you are a reader and believe in the importance of easy access to libraries, I urge you to sign the petition and try to get at least 10 others to similarly sign.
The Township says they will repay our fees…. But there is a little clarity and can you imagine how many families in TINY Township will be reluctant to pay upfront for a library card and then await a process that will eventually reimburse them.
You could write to any of the councillors, in fact, all of the councillors, and ask them which library they currently hold a membership for. Ask them how they will be directly impacted by not having a Central resource center where they can use computers freely, research for school projects, or personal pleasure. Ask them for the supporting research and statistics that make this a sound decision. Ask to see the numbers and the timeline. Ask them how they voted.
The decision has to meet the needs of all of our community and not a few senior decision makers. Do you remember being asked?
If we don’t act now, we are going to pay for this for a very long time. Please share this widely and get as many signatures as possible on this position. Act today!"
With thanks,
Diane….
I just signed the petition "Restore Tiny Township's Funding Contributions to Neighbouring Libraries" and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.
The goal is that each person reaches out and tries to get 10 signatures . You can read more and sign the petition here:
Thanks! Diane