Like all public libraries in B.C., the Oliver Public Library is charged with the important task of providing equal access to information and information services for all British Columbians which is as important and crucial today as it was when B.C.’s first public library was established in 1891.
Public libraries serve as a vital point of community life by:

*promoting literacy and enjoyment of reading
*encouraging and supporting life-long learning
*ensuring free access to information for everyone
*offering programs for a variety of groups, including newcomers, families, seniors
*supporting local and provincial economies through supports for job-seekers and business owners
*promoting local culture, leisure, history and opportunities
*serving as community meeting places and community information hubs. (Ministry of Education)

Although still charged with providing the above mentioned services, the Oliver Library is adapting the way in which it provides those services. Where once the library was primarily thought of as a repository of books, it now shares a wealth of material in a variety of formats i.e. books, magazines, DVD’s, CD’s, Audio books, e-books and access to the world wide web via the Internet. Our library however, is not just a place to connect with books and computers; it is a place to connect with people. It is a “dynamic center for idea interaction.” As an example, this week I was able to attend two very interesting and informative sessions at the library. On Wednesday, I attended a presentation with Lee McFadyen on the “Okanagan River Restoration Initiative”. She spoke on the re-naturalization and restoration of the Okanagan River System. Twenty-three other interested folks attended this same presentation. On Saturday, I joined in the “Let Go and Lego” session where thirty-three children and sixteen adults worked together to create Lego inventions and record the story behind their inventions.

It should be noted that “Libraries cannot effectively deliver services, retain existing users or attract new users without providing at least a minimum amount of facility space to fulfill an expanded role as community gathering centres and technology hubs.” The proposed loss of over 800 sq. feet to our local library will make both adult and children’s programming increasingly restrictive due to lack of space. Our existing library is able to meet the expanded role as a community gathering centre. It sits at the crossroads of Oliver’s commercial center. It is within easy walking distance of five public and private schools, as well as many senior complexes. In other words, it is in a very accessible location and has an established sense of place. It is crucial that we let our local politicians and the Okanagan Regional Library Board know that we value our existing library and the space that it affords to carry out its’ important mandate.

Heather Frank