Hi PovNetters:
BC libraries are at risk of losing significant provincial funding. We
can help prevent that by circulating this website and encouraging all
who use and care about libraries to get in touch with their MLA and
other government officials regarding the implications (apparently
funding decisions are being made in the fall).
The library system is a very important resource for PovNet – advocates
and the public can use free public access sites to get online to our web
site, and libraries across BC carry PovNet bookmarks and refer patrons
to PovNet resources. When I’m travelling, I often do a session at the
local public library about online poverty information and how to find
it.
Those hardest hit by cuts will be those of limited income who rely on
libraries as their only free access to books, technology, research,
resources, job and housing postings. Sometimes the need is as simple,
yet vital, as a safe place to be warm and dry for an hour or two for a
quiet read.
Here’s a link to the website – http://www.stopbclibrarycuts.ca . It has
an online petition and links to your local MLA. But as always, an
individual call or message carries the most weight.
–
Penny Goldsmith, Executive Co-ordinator
PovNet
