Petawawa's Union Library Proves To Be Successful

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.