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More than 100 celebrated authors, artists, and performers — including Margaret Atwood, Neil Young, and Fred Penner — are calling on the City of Peterborough to halt proposed cuts at the public library that would eliminate three librarian positions, including the city’s only Children’s Librarian.
The open letter, released this week by local advocacy group Our Future Peterborough, warns the decision would damage a vital community institution. It’s signed by some of Canada’s most prominent literary voices, such as Esi Edugyan, Gordon Korman, and former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.
“There’s a reason so many esteemed writers and artists signed this letter,” said Sheetal Rawal, a co-founder of the advocacy group. “They remember the librarians who saw them and encouraged them. They understand what’s at stake.”
Co-founder Hilary Evans said the letter is about making sure Peterborough City Council hears the community – and the country.
While some people might not frequent libraries anymore, Evans adds these are very special places.
The letter criticizes the proposal as short-sighted and warns the social cost would far outweigh any financial savings.
“Children’s librarians have the skills needed to introduce the best books to children in ways that help ensure they become life-long readers,” said author Kathy Stinson, whose book Red is Best is a Canadian children’s classic. “The cost to your community, and I dare say to society as a whole, will far exceed any benefit you will see in your budget’s bottom line.”
Beloved entertainer Fred Penner echoed that sentiment: “We have an opportunity to nurture [children] in every way possible so they can live up to their potential… Please do your very best to maintain library funding in Peterborough.”
An online petition launched April 16th has surpassed 2,300 signatures, and over 200 people attended a rally at the main library branch on May 16th.
Other local signatories include Drew Hayden Taylor, Ann Douglas, Kate Story, and actor Linda Kash. “Librarians take the time to open the portals of imagination,” said Kash. “They are essential to the village.”
Full letter: OurFuturePtbo.org/open-letter.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
