Province pushed to support library

By richard rolke Morning Star StaffJul 30 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
There’s intense lobbying under way to ensure the provincial government supports a new library in Greater Vernon. MLA Tom Christensen met with Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert and Okanagan Regional Library officials Friday to discuss the plight of the community’s branch. “It was an opportunity to bring me up to speed on the work the board is doing in terms of getting additional space,” said Christensen. As a result of the meeting, Christensen will try to determine whether there is provincial capital funding available for an expanded library, whether it is at the current site or another location. “That (grant) could play in to their plans,” he said. Based on information he received during the session, Christensen is convinced that Vernon, Coldstream and the two electoral areas require a larger library. “They strongly made a case that, in terms of physical space, the area is under-served,” he said. Carol Williams, a Coldstream councillor and ORL chairman, was pleased to meet with Christensen. “The more people who understand why we need to move forward on this, the better for the community,” she said. Williamson believes provincial grants would be beneficial if development of a larger branch proceeds by taking some burden off local taxpayers. “Grants certainly would help us move forward,” she said. However, even if Victoria doesn’t participate, ORL has been putting money aside for a Vernon branch and has the ability to levy funds. Also attending the meeting were Vernon Coun. Patrick Nicol and regional district director Rick Fairbairn.