Issues abound
Obviously, the question of the library deals with a number of issues. Much debate, including at least one survey, has been prefaced with the word covenant. Cost, affordability in some wordings, concerns many. And traffic congestion and pedestrian safety has been another issue. But another issue, a rather large one it seems to be, is the very logistics of a library down at the old arena site.
Some say it would interfere with all the activity going on down at Willingdon Beach. Some say that it would not enhance the park’s environment, but rather, detract from it. And, also, there’s been ongoing debate about convenience of location.
Richard Wright, Egmont Avenue
Library economics
When the empty, old arena site was first suggested as a location for the public library, I thought it was meant to be funny. [“Two sites undergo evaluation,”August 6] I laughed to myself because I pictured pushing someone in a wheelchair up Alberni Street.
I have always thought the new location should be on flat ground for easy walking, have wheelchair accessibility, safe bicycling and ample car parking.
How convenient that there is empty space at the Crossroads Shopping Centre behind the McDonalds.
There are three large empty spaces there and in one of them we could have a children’s library. The mall already has a large parking lot and it is flat which is great for people who use wheelchairs, for walking, and for bicycle riders.
I hope they can find an empty building which is suitable and won’t cost the city a lot of money. We have to use what we already have wisely and think about improving what’s here to promote our town.
Veronica Bourassa, Kiwanis Ave
Distasteful toon
I am writing to express my disgust at the cartoon in your August 13, 2014 edition of the Peak. [“RIP
Robin Williams”]
I have rarely found your cartoonist to be either funny or pertinent, and the artwork to be juvenile at best, but this “cartoon” has plumbed a new depth of poor taste. To make a joke of a man’s darkest time and suicide indicates a total lack of feeling or understanding of the demons which can drive a person to such an act. Your cartoonist also shows a complete lack of knowledge as to what black humour really is.
I have worked as a paramedic for 25 years now and am intimately familiar with black humour. It is a defence mechanism used by all emergency personnel to assist in dealing with the tragedies we see on an almost daily basis. It is one of the few tools we have in order to preserve our own sanity in the face of having to deal with the insanities we deal with. People who do not work in emergency services usually do not understand this at all.
Robin Williams was a man of huge heart who kept his sufferings to himself until he could no longer bear the burden. To make a joke of this is disgusting. I would strongly urge the Peak to look at a cartoonist such as [Adrian] Raeside who is usually both relevant as well as funny.
Cameron Bailey, Huntingdon Street
Location key
It seems that city council is having a hard time making up its mind about where/why to expand the existing public library. [“Two sites undergo evaluation,”August 6] Those that fear re-election have deemed the initial site –a parking lot with a view—too controversial. Maybe it would be better off to put it far away from other activities in town—perhaps a near-abandoned mall?
As a newly arrived resident of Pow Town, I’m somewhat confused—do people really think that turning a parking lot into a community asset is a blatant misuse of public space? Are libraries a thing of the past—doomed to no longer exist, as we all embrace Kindles and other digital media? Was Robert Putman right to assume that we will all soon be “bowling alone”—cocooned in our homes, with no interest in real community?
The city of Halifax doesn’t think so. A recent story in the Globe & Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/halifax-looks-forward-to-the-opening-of-its-very-own-library-of-the-future/article20090514/) points to their new library with a view of the waterfront as the city’s “living room.” It’s being designed as a real public space—complete with cafes, theatres, meeting rooms and music studios.
Too rich for Powell River’s blood? That’s the real question. If we can’t afford a new library, then why waste funds with study after study? If the city agrees that an expanded library fits in with the cultural focus of this diverse and exciting town, then let’s get on with it! A site-specific library would be a great cultural anchor for Marine Avenue and those enjoying all that the waterfront offers. Reading is a part of the summer pastime of all Canadians—even those at Willingdon Beach.
Gary Shilling, Mariners Way
