Petawawa's Union Library Proves To Be Successful

PETAWAWA-The Village and Township Union Library located at the Civic Centre here, is nearing its second year of operation since its official opening May, 1975 and has grown since that time.

The library, which was established under an agreement of both councils, started out with a total volume of 3,300 books and now has over a collection of 5,600.

Membership has also expanded since its opening. At the end of its first year in operation, up to 1,200 signed as members. Todate over 2,000 have registered. Dr. Kris Morgenstern, the present board chairman, said the location for the library is excellent because it is situated in the centre of recreation which attracts many people. Upon visiting the complex for sports, many drop into the library (because it is right there) and become interested in what it has to offer.

He explained that if the library had not been a branch of the Civic Centre, but located elsewhere by itself, there could be the possibility many people would not be exposed to its facilities.

The library is mainly financed through an annual grant from the Ontario Ministry of Culture and Recreation. The grant is based on the population of the two municipalities. It amounts to about $15,000 annually.

Wintario grants have also helped and the library thus far has received two amounting to $2,600.

"These go into special acquisitions of Canadian books and records," Dr. Morgenstern said.

Because of the gradual growth of the library there is a requirement for specialized help, Mr. Morgenstern noted. The library is at present provided with two experienced part-time librarians and over 20 volunteer workers, but due to classification work requiring more time, additional help is needed he said.

VOLUNTEERS

Dr. Morgenstern credits the volunteer workers for a very important role in the operation of the library as well as the librarians who put much time and effort into their work. The librarians are Pat Pollard and Joan Davis.

With the growth of the library taking effect and the increase in expenditures, Dr. Morgenstern said the board will seek extra assistance from both councils once the new budget is brought down.

In addition to regular books, there is a large collection of pamphlets on government affairs, job opportunities and magazines. The library also has a collection of 500 long playing records. "But we need expansion here", Dr. Morgenstern noted, "because the demand is high and there are certain categories that need development."

The library is now equipped with projectors, video tapes, TV and recorder. Films though, are provided by the Pembroke Library through the Eastern Ontario Library System.

The library system also provides cultural programs such as folk singers making visits, craft displays, paintings and eskimo art. It also assists training for the staff and board members as well as advise on government programs.

PROGRAMS

Special programs include films for children on Saturdays with more being presented in the summer, and local art and craft exhibits. Crafts have been supplied by Sofia Halowinia and paintings by the late Mrs. M. Childs, Anotoniette Logan and Murray McNab.

Dr. Morgenstern, a research scientist with the environment Canada Forestry Service, is also a member of the library committee at the Petawawa Forestry Station. He became chairman of the Petawawa Union Library Board after the resignation of the first board chairman Dr. Doug Pollard.

Board members are appointed by both councils for a term of three years.

The first board members of the library consisted of Dr. Pollard as chairman, Mrs. Penny Hill, (who has resigned) treasurer and Dr. Morgenstern. These people represented the village. For the township were Mrs. Ada Saba, John Classey and Eileen Robinson.

The present members are Dr. Morgenstern who is now chairman, Lynn LeMay and Mr. Classey (who has since moved to the village). These members represent the village. For the township Don Kettner, Mrs. Ada Saba, treasurer and Betty Aim on, are on the board.