Caught in the Headlights

Beer in the Headlights performing at Centre Square.

Beer in the Headlights were in charge Friday night at Centre Square in Kentville as part of the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society’s Summer Concert Series.  Band members included (clockwise from top left) vocalists Colby Clarke and Justin Wood, drummer Rick Clayton and guitarist Aaron Lund, who played for more than an hour and even took requests to close out the show. The band donated its time to help support the Friends’ efforts to site and build a new library in the town. The Summer Concert Series continues this Friday, July 17, 7-8 p.m. at Centre Square with up-and-coming rock group Alice Stops Time.

Dukes of Kent Captivate Centre Square

Dukes of Kent perform at Kentville's Centre Square

The Dukes of Kent were in great voice last Friday evening during the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society’s ongoing Summer Concert Series. About 35 members under the direction of Perry Jackson filled Centre Square in Kentville with sweet harmonies in support of the Library project, which is to site and build a new library in the town of Kentville. This Friday, July 10, features Beer in the Headlights. The show begins in Centre Square at 7 p.m. and all are invited to bring a chair and a blanket and enjoy!

RBC Kentville Hosting Sidewalk BBQ

Come and get yours!

RBC Kentville is hosting a fund-raising Sidewalk BBQ, for the Friends of the Library, this Friday, June 26, 11 AM to 1:30 PM in front of the bank.

Come by for a hot dog or hamburger.

All proceeds from the activity, plus an additional $1000.00 from RBC Kentville, will be donated to assist with the project. Thanks for your support, RBC Kentville!

* * *

Also…

The first of the SUMMER CONCERT SERIES with the Hupman Bros. was a great success! They attracted quite a crowd and people were coming into Centre Square the whole time. Plan to be make it out to as many of our FRIDAY SUMMER CONCERTS as you can, Fridays from 7 -8 PM at Centre Square, rain or shine! Visit our Events page for more details (and photos)!

Student Artwork Project

The Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society hosted a student artwork project recently in cooperation with the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board (AVRSB).

The Friends, with the support of the AVRSB and School Superintendent Margo Tait, requested personal sketches and artwork from students who attend classes in a core group of schools in a catchment area spanning Horton District High in the east to Central Kings in the west and all schools in-between, including elementary, middle and high school. Individual students and/or classes (working on a submission collectively) were encouraged to submit original artwork/sketches that answered the question:

“My new library: I want it to be…”

Students could offer their vision of the interior (e.g., what you would like to see in a teen area or children’s area, and what else can be there?) or exterior (e.g. what should it look like?), and use their media of choice. Nearly 250 responses came in from three different schools: Cambridge and District Elementary; Port Williams School; and Aldershot School. Winners were selected from each school in a random draw and awarded a cash prize from the Friends and gift certificates from Boston Pizza in New Minas.

As well, Boston Pizza provided all participants with a coupon for a free kids’ pizza redeemable at their New Minas location, creating a win-win-win situation for them, the Friends of the Kentville Library and the AVRSB students who shared their creation vision.

Winners were:

From Cambridge and District Elementary School:
Tyiesha Young, a Grade 3 student in Ms. MacLeod/Ms. Misner’s Grade 3/4 class

 

Pictured (from left to right) are Carol Robar from the Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society; Tyiesha Young; and school librarian Jennie Jolly.

 

From Aldershot School:
Winner Austin Fleming from Ms. Nan Wood’s Grade 5W class

Austin is pictured with Fred Sgambati, PR Committee Chair, Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society.

The final presentation will be made the morning of June 19 to winners at Port Williams Elementary School during an assembly, and student artwork will be showcased for the public outside Sobey’s in New Minas in the near future.

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

New Fundraising Chair

Larry Honey, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee

Announcing Larry Honey, P.Eng, P.Ag.:
Chair of the Fundraising Committee

The Friends are delighted to announce that Larry Honey has agreed to Chair the Fundraising Committee, and to lead us in our efforts to raise the funds for our new library. Having championed the concept of a new library to serve the region for over a decade, Larry not only brings a wealth of experience and commitment to our project, but passion as well.

Larry is a self-employed Professional Engineer and Professional Agrologist associated with Hiltz and Seamone Co. Ltd., Engineering Consultants and has lived and raised his family in Kentville for 25 years.

Well-known to many in and around Kentville, Larry understands municipal government, having served on Town Council for 20 years, 7 of those as Deputy Mayor. He served as Chair of the Annapolis Valley Regional Library Board for 18 years and was an active member of the Library Boards of Nova Scotia, in addition to numerous other committees and boards.

With Larry’s passion for libraries, vast experience in local government and involvement in many building projects, we are confident that he will guide us through a successful capital campaign.

Results of the Second Annual Book Sale

Friends of the Kentville Library Book Sale 2008: the Friends’ Co-Chair Ginny Evans (left), with volunteer Marcella Nichols (centre), and Carol Robar (right), one of the chief organizers of the sale.

On Oct. 4th, 2008, the Friends held our Second Annual Book Sale, in conjunction with Kentville’s Harvest Fest. The outpouring of books for the sale surpassed our wildest hopes (there were literally thousands) and the support at the sale was tremendous!

We would like to especially thank our supporters and the hardworking volunteers who made this event possible, as well as the community, for coming out and buying boxes and bags of books!

Electoral candidates’ responses to the new Kentville library initiative

At the outset of the current elections, we asked various candidates where they stood on the issue of our grass-roots campaign to build a new library in Kentville. Here is the text of the letter we sent to each candidate:

Dear Candidate:

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 federal and municipal elections pending, our hundreds of supporters are interested in your thoughts on the project. We would like you to respond to three questions:

1. What do you see as the best value for the new library project in Kentville?
2. If elected, how vigourously will you pursue funding opportunities?
3. What would you personally like to see in the new library?

 

Here are some of the responses we’ve received so far:

From Mayor Corkum (Mayoral Candidate):

“I have gone on record to support the new library. It is long over due. And yes I will vigorously pursue funding. Lastly I believe it is your experts and group to advise me what you want to see in a new library. You will have my continued support. However that doesn’t mean a blank cheque there has to be other sources of funding come to the table i.e. the county and province along with the fund raising efforts of your group.”

 

Larry Eaton (Mayoral Candidate):

“To: Friends of the Kentville Public Library

I believe a new modern and expanded library will be a welcome and much needed addition to our community and the surrounding area. The new facility could and should incorporate other cultural and community based activities thus providing the maximum benefit for all concerned.

I bow to the expertise of those already on the planning committee, who have done an excellent job to this point, in attempting to address the needs and wishes of our communities. I applaud their efforts to further the plans toward successful conclusion of this worthwhile project.

If elected I will work diligently for a successful conclusion to this most worthy cause.

Wishing you every success in the future.

Larry Eaton, candidate for mayor Town of Kentville. “

 

From Mark Pearl (Town Councillor):

“I am in support of the Regional Library. Multiuse is what I perceive as the best value. Providing meeting space and community access along with a sustainable building design will increase community pride. If reelected I will continue to advocate at the Provincial and Federal levels for funding and will encourage staff to assist your group. I would like to see a LEED facility with green spaces and access to trails and parks. Regards Mark Pearl “

 

Janet Newton, District 2 – Kings County Council (Municipal Councillor):

“1. A new library for Kentville is a must. I am supporting the county transferring county land to the town as a major contribution from the municipality of Kings County.

This will save the expense of having to purchase land.

2. I am Vice Chair of the AVRL Board so obviously I am going to vigourously help to secure funding from all possible sources. The Kentville library is very important to the residents of North Kentville.

3. I would like to see an outstanding children’s section, a courtyard, the latest technology, a reading room and lots more.”

 

Rosemary Segado, Conservative – Kings-Hants (Federal Rep.):

“Thank you for your e-mail to Rosemary Segado, your Conservative candidate in Kings-Hants. She is quite busy campaigning in the run up to election day, and has asked me to respond on her behalf. Your comments have been brought to her attention.

As an eight-year town councillor in Wolfville, Rosemary has a direct understanding of small towns in Nova Scotia and the various resources that help make our small towns thrive, including strong libraries. She has also been involved in various community groups over the years, including her local school advisory council; she appreciates the value of educational support resources, like libraries.

If elected as your Member of Parliament, Rosemary intends to work hard for her constituents and work on their behalf in Ottawa. As an MP, Rosemary Segado would be pleased to sit down with groups that have plans to strengthen our communities, such as the Friends of the Kentville Library Society. As an elected representative, she believes in working with her constituents to identify how to accomplish meaningful results while prudently staying within a government’s means.

As MP, Rosemary would be willing to explore funding possibilities through various government departments with respect to programmes which relate to community infrastructure like this. With the polls consistently showing throughout the election that the Conservative government will be re-elected, Rosemary would be able to advocate from within the federal government.

Thank you for taking the time to write to Rosemary Segado.”

 

Bill Boyd (Kentville Town Council):

“In response to your questions I am pleased to go on record that I am fully in support of a new Library for Kentville and area. I have stated my support on a number of occasions during my campaign. I feel a new regional library is long over due and is pleased to see the Friends of the Library actively pursuing the dream. If elected I will certainly support any efforts needed to secure funds from all levels of government, ( i.e. County of Kings, Federal and Provincial.) as partnering and cooperation will be very important. The new Library will be the cultural focal point for the Kentville area and as many multipurpose activities as possible should be include. The facility should be technically designed with as many energy and environmentally friendly components as financially possible. However the facility also has to be developed within the fiscal resources available.

Good Luck,
You have my support,”

 

Bill Connell (Candidate for Town Councillor) 

To: Friends of the Kentville Library
I am in support of a new Library for the town and surrounding area and would work with your group to secure funds to complete this project. I feel that the new Library should be multipurpose and include areas for children and seniors alike. This facility should be designed to include as much modern technology and environmentally friendly components as financially possible. Personally I would like to see an large area that would allow all age groups access to computers and the internet. I would like to thank you for your questions and if elected will give you my full support to get this project completed.

 

Remember, it’s going to be a new library for all of us. Make sure to let your local candidate know you want it!

Second Annual Book Sale

The Friends of the Kentville Public Library invite you to our Second Annual Book Sale*, in support of building the new library:

Oct. 4, 2008 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kentville Recreation Centre,
Main St., Kentville NS
(next to Town Hall)

 

Used book donations are also being accepted at the Kentville Library Oct. 1 – 3 or anytime at Young Drivers of Canada, 8781 Commercial St., New Minas.

We also need volunteers at the sale; it’s lots of fun and you get first pick! Please contact volunteer coordinator Carol Robar at 902-681-9362 or newminas@youngdrivers.com.

With elections just ahead, don’t forget to let our politicians know that you want a new library!

 

*this sale is made possible with some assistance from the Annapolis Valley Regional Library.

It Takes a Community to Build a Library

The Friends of the Kentville Public Library Society would like to thank the following local businesses/groups for their generous donations.

 Parks and Recreation Department, Kentville
 New Minas Fire Department
 Transcontinental Media/The Advertiser
 Kentville Kinsmen
 Kentville Save Easy
 New Minas Superstore
 Sobeys
 McDonald’s New Minas
 Larsen Packers
 Great Valley Juice
 Eastlink
 K-ROCK 89.3
 Magic 94
 Exit Realty

Many thanks to all our wonderful sponsors!