Provincial Candidates Talk about the new Library in Kentville

It’s election time. We posed some questions to our local candidates:

There is an effort underway currently to site, fund and build a beautiful new public library in the town of Kentville, for all Kings County residents to enjoy. The Friends of the Kentville Library Society is the driving force behind this initiative, marshaling volunteers, funds and public interest to see this worthwhile project to completion.

With an election just ahead, our hundreds of supporters are interested in your thoughts on the project. We are asking you to respond to two questions:

1. If elected, what kind of support can we expect from you and your party?
2. What would you personally like to see in the new library?

As an adjunct: do you have anything else you would like to add concerning this issue?

Here is what they have to say:

From David Morse

Progressive Conservative, Kings South

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the Kentville Library. I want to assure you that you can count on my continued support for this important project.

Sincerely,

David.

From Anna-Maria Galante-Ward

Green Party, Kings North

I am so glad you asked.

As a Green Party MLA, I would push for a $1 million investment in literacy projects – because the return on that critical mass of investment to our communities would be $5 million.

The number of adults in this county still having difficulty reading is a shocking 47% – and this impacts voter turn-out and our ability to achieve well-represented democracy.

I think the library would benefit from that kind of spending, and double as an opportunity for a sustainable building showcase.

Having a community internet capsite is extremely important for people who don’t have a personal computer connection – this is the case for many seniors.

We’d like to see more resources devoted to getting books on audio for visually impaired residents.

Any further questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call: 679-1478.

Sincerely,

Anna-Maria Galante-Ward

From Shirley Fisher

Liberal, Kings North

Thank you very much for your inquiry.

As a former full-time educator and current school substitute teacher and school volunteer in this community, I understand the value and fully appreciate the services offered by our local libraries. As MLA, I vow to work with the Friends of the Kentville Library Society to access all funding opportunities available.

The Liberal Platform contains many early learning initiatives including a Solid Start program which is directed toward providing a reading foundation for every child to have success in school. This will start with an open-house resource program for three year olds and will provide families with age-appropriate books and information. It is hoped that this initiative will foster a life long love of reading and our local libraries will be integral to this plan.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warmest Regards,

Shirley Fisher

From Mark Parent

Progressive Conservative, Kings North

Hello Frances,

As you know, I am a big supporter of a new library in Kentville. Personally I would like to see an emphasis on local history and culture in the area. Perhaps it could be part of a larger cultural or arts complex? Of course it is important for any library to be part of the larger library system, to have good internet access and licensing for research. I would also like to see meeting rooms nearby for use by the larger community. My staff have recently spoken with the Regional Librarian and asked the Central Campaign to address questions regarding the recommendations of the task force on libraries.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment on this worthwhile cause and I certainly appreciate the work of The Friends of the Kentville Library Society !

I noticed the group in the parade and heard many compliments on how organized they were.

All the best,

Mark