Monkton Library (left), Atwood Library (right)Monkton Library (left), Atwood Library (right)
Midwestern

Future of North Perth Libraries Discussed

The North Perth Library saga may be nearing a solution.

Members of the library board were at a public meeting with council Monday night in Listowel.

In recent weeks, both the Monkton/Atwood Lions Clubs made presentations regarding their respective libraries and have offered to financially partner with council in order to keep their branches open.

Council noted in the agenda the objective of last night's meeting was to provide no more than three preferred options for staff to produce a full costing model for each option, including a 10 year financial forecast.

The most discussed was a three- branch model utilizing space at the Monkton and Atwood community centers. Atwood/Monkton both had public petitions presented to council with over 200 local signatures each in support of their respective branches.

Fifty-four percent of residents polled said they didn't want taxes to rise to help support the library initiative.

Mayor Julie Behrns noted that "this has to be a financially responsible decision, and based on decreasing budgets and other financial issues, the Library budget has suffered, and the only way to find more money outside the budget is to raise taxes."

Mayor Behrns also wanted it known she is an active member and card holder of the North Perth Public Library.

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