Libraries serve an important role in our community, allowing all sorts of people with a vast spectrum of interests an opportunity to expand their horizons through the various tools at the library.
Roughly 25 per cent of Clyde residents are users of the Westlock Library, but they could soon have many of their privileges revoked, a decision that rests in the hands of Clyde council.
They recently decided to reject the Westlock Intermunicipal Library Board’s proposal, which came with a price tag of $11,640 for 2012.
Although the price may cause a bit of sticker shock, it must be noted that Clyde residents have been using the library since 1999 without any contribution to its operations.
For more than a decade, the town and county have been footing the bill for Clyde residents to use the various services provided at the library, whether that is access to books, online databases, audio-books or DVDs.
During the first round of deliberations back in September, several councillors expressed worry that the library board was suddenly asking for a fee for residents to use the services at the library.
It shouldn’t be surprising, especially for councillors, that all services worth having cost money.
By refusing to pay the fee, which accounts for just four per cent of the Westlock Library’s total operating budget, council signed away residents’ ability to borrow freely from the institution.
That is, until the board decided to extend a second offer to Clyde council, which is to be considered during annual budget deliberations. This sees the cost reduced to just $6,880 — a fraction of the original proposal.
From an early age, people are informed about the importance of reading and are encouraged to incorporate it into everyday life. Once students leave the primary and secondary school atmosphere in Clyde, they will be very limited in finding alternative means to feed this important habit, unless council changes its tune and signs into the agreement.
In the survey conducted by the village office, only 18 people responded, with 11 in favour of signing up for the library. Although the turnout is on the low side, the majority of residents still expressed support of joining into the Westlock Intermunicipal Agreement, despite the $11,640 contribution needed.
As budget time approaches for the Village of Clyde, it should be interesting to see how they, and the town and county council’s, react. After all, the town and county have been footing the bill for years.
