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North Kawartha Public Library and
Lifelong Learning Centre
by Katie Jackson Resource for Students Here at the Library & Learning Centre we offer academic tutoring for children and adults in a variety of subjects. We have computers for internet research and a large section of non-fiction to help with projects. Let our friendly staff help you achieve your potential... Coming soon to a library near you … Fall computer courses will be starting early October and the next in the “Night of Delight” Dinner Series will be in mid-October so keep your eyes open for posters or call for more information. “Fairy” Easy Project a 10 hour course on how to make a “No Sew” Fairy only $75 (materials incl.) In honour of Library Week, October 17th to 24th the North Kawartha Library has declared October “Amnesty Month” and “Food for Fines” will be the theme. During the month, any overdue book fines will be waived and we will accept donations of non-perishable food items for the North Kawartha Food Bank. Children’s Programs -The Library will host a pre-school story time in October. Please watch for posters or call the Library for details. The 8th Annual Ham Supper and Silent Auction fundraiser, which was held Thursday Aug 18th was well attended. The North Kawartha Library Board wishes to thank the Anglican Woman’s Guild for the delicious meal prepared. The Township of North Kawartha for the use of the hall, everyone who contributed desserts and all the volunteers who helped to make our night a success, which raised $2,268. Thank you to all who contributed to our silent auction. Also, a big thanks to our community for their support. 2005 Ontario Volunteer Awards are being held Tuesday October 25, at the Trentwinds International Centre. Mr. Bill Dulmage will be presented with a lapel pin and a certificate in recognition of his commitment and dedication as a volunteer in Ontario. Congratulations from staff and Board of the library and learning centre. Library to Develop New Strategic Plan The Library Board is starting to develop a new strategic plan to set directions for the library over the next several years. We will be asking for public input. So over the next few months, expect to be asked for your thoughts and ideas about library service either by answering a survey or participating in a public meeting. Fall and winter hours: Tues 10-4, Wed 12-8, Fri 10-4, Sat 10-2. The Woodview library will be open through to the end of October, Thursdays 1-4 and 7-9. We hope to see you soon! For more information of our resources, programs, or services:
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Re: North Kawartha's proposed design concept for a new municipal building by Heather Brooks-Hill 1. I am very much in favour of new offices for our North Kawartha staff. I believe it is essential that more space, privacy and a more welcoming "desk" (not the person) for local citizens who come to the office be provided for both staff and the public. Needless to say public washrooms are also a priority. 2. The recently renovated Council Chambers are extremely fitting with the North Kawartha "style" of architecture/culture. However, as the proposed plan demonstrates, the effective functioning of our local government depends on easy communication/access for staff, politicians and the public. I am, therefore, in favour of the merge. 3. When I think of civil service staff, I would also include Library, EMS, OPP etc.. They all serve our Township. I did not see how the proposed plan has considered the importance of including these major public services. I know that what I looked at is only a conceptual plan. However, it would be remiss to ignore all Township needs, present and projected, in such a major, capital expenditure proposition. 4. Access, both on foot, wheelchair accessible, and parking, is important. Has Council paid visits to HGC, SEL, HBM and D-D? In summary, my constructive comments would also include the need for a transparent, public process. The concept of a "new facility" is primarily needed for the staff first, the public second and the politicians third. That being said, the three need access to, and crossover with, each other. Such a large undertaking of new municipal headquarters requires a thorough and in depth process. The fact that there are "funds" available from other level governments does not diminish Council's responsibility to spend wisely for, and build appropriately, a building that belongs to all of us. Council is more than half way through its term. Experience of the need for a comprehensive process must by now be evident. All elected officials are charged with an obligation to be as competent, as possible, in representing their constituents. The most important expression of this is prudent decision-making with regard to taxpayers' dollars, both municipal, provincial and federal (i.e. grants included). There is only one taxpayer (each citizen) and one public purse. We all contribute to this purse in one way or another. Any decision made by North Kawartha Council should be made after being fully informed. |