Dear Editor:
I grew up in a small mining village. I loved to read. As a young teenager, I would catch the bus to travel the three miles into town to go to the library. The library was situated in the centre of the main street in the most imposing Victorian building other than the Council Chambers building. I knew, instinctively, as a young person, that this was an important building and that I was privileged to be able to use the facilities.
I have visited many libraries since then, in quite a few different countries. There is a common theme. Libraries tend to be front and centre. They are in imposing buildings. They offer space. Apart from the obvious, borrowing books, etc., these buildings may offer many varied programs, such as hosting writing groups, film nights with knowledgable hosts, lecture series on opera or Greek mythology, chess clubs, and on and on
The point of all of this is that in Invermere the library has always been restricted in its ability to offer a broad range of programming because of lack of space. I used to visit the Invermere library when it was in a damp and smelly basement. Think of the message that location sent out. It is certainly in a more cheerful place, (even though it is a former jail) lovingly tended by a dedicated staff, but they need more space and a more imposing presence.
Invermere needs to show how much it values literacy in all of its forms. Please consider adding the library facilities to the new community centre and show the community and visitors just how much Invermere values learning for all ages.
Maureen Thorpe
Windermere
