Letters to the Blog

CASTLETON LIBRARY

Last Fall there was a well attended (between 50-60 people), public meeting in the Castleton Town Hall to discuss the re-opening of the Castleton Library. The response was overwhelming and absolutely positive. It was obvious that everyone wanted the Castleton Library to be reopened.

Ideas, suggestions and comments flowed and so many people were forthcoming with ways to upgrade and expand the services offered by the Library. The meeting was organized and also attended by the Colborne Library Board. Comments and ideas were duly recorded. Volunteers were asked to come forward and form an interest group.

A couple of weeks later such a group of local residents and members of the Colborne Library Board met in the old library and discussed a list of items to be addressed before the library could be re-opened. This list included the removal of walls, new carpeting and lighting, installation of computers, shelving, a childrens area, heritage area and a notice board outside the building. Again notes were taken and a 'wish list' created.

Weeks later a group met and packed books that were then removed to Colborne.

Unfortunately nothing transpired. Nothing was reported, no minutes distributed and there was silence. Christmas came and disappeared. Winter droned on.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, a meeting was called to discuss the Library, with a different group of attendees. None of the original group was contacted. Again, no minutes have been distributed from this meeting.

However, a recent article in the new Northumberlandtoday.com newspaper indicated that the possible cost of $100,000 to re-open the Castleton Library is not worth the expense, especially when - as the article explains - "And for ten months of the year, children in the area will be served by the library at the school being built in the hamlet later this year".

Somehow, adult users of the Library were not mentioned. Also, "there appears to be so little interest in the .. branch". However, it now appears that these comments were not 'official' and therefore should be disregarded.

Surely, we do not need to go overboard to re-open the Library (remember the concept of spending $1m to put an addition on to the Town Hall). Perhaps the proposed or suggested costs can be broken down and reviewed.

Perhaps we can organize some fundraising! Perhaps we can discuss a reduced rate with our contractors! Perhaps we can reach out for contributions! Perhaps we could form a volunteer group of young and old from our local community ! Perhaps we need to take one step at a time !

This is such a golden opportunity to reclaim our Library. With the new school we hope the area will expand and more use will follow, for both the Library and the Town Hall.

There are so many programmes that could be organized for both young and old using both the Library and the upstairs. From Book Clubs to Literacy programmes, winter fun and March Break sessions as well as summer ideas to keep children busy. With the newly constructed lower entrance the Library will be more accessible to all.

To this end I ask if anyone is interested in the formation of a group - perhaps called 'Friends of Castleton Library', FOCL, (Focal !) - to discuss the ways and means of the project to re-establish the Library.

May I suggest that we begin with only local residents with no ties to Cramahe Council or local Library Boards . This way we can see if interest has waned since last year.

At the same time we could review all the notes todate, the Council requirements to update the facilities, what monies is actually on hand at Council in reserve and what is of prime importance to have a viable Library.

If possible may I suggest a meeting. If interested, or you have any comments, please contact me . Depending upon the response I will gladly host the meeting or we can 'book' the Library area. Please, let's see what can be done - remember, there really is life north of the 401 and it is up to us !

Graham Norcutt, at 344-7000 or gnorcutt@airnet.ca