Chief Librarian Allan Wilson, Civic Centre Events Manager Myles Tycholis, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, and Lheidli T’enneh Chief Dominic Frederick break ground for the library’s new Knowledge Garden

Prince George, BC – Displaying a ‘tree of knowledge’ in facepaint, the Chief Librarian at the Bob Harkins Branch of the Prince George Public Library, Allan Wilson, overturned a shovelful of dirt this afternoon – the first small step in transforming the area between the library and Civic Centre into a Knowledge Garden.

The garden will feature a permanent pathway, areas of different elevations, cascading seating, and a childrens’ garden for storytime.  The Chair of the Library Board’s Fundraising Committee, Shelley Stafford, says more than half of the project’s $185-thousand dollar price tag has already been raised through generous donations from the public and fundraising activities like the recent calendar down in partnership with the Community Arts Council.  Stafford says the money on-hand is enough to begin the first phase of the project – the excavation and cement work, which will begin June 17th.  Richbar Nurseries of Quesnel has received the initial contract for planting, which will begin in early fall.

"Today is another day of dreaming big dreams," Prince George-Valemount MLA, Shirley Bond told those in attendance for the groundbreaking ceremony.  Bond says as the library has expanded, so has its role in the community and it’s about so much more than books.  "Let’s dig deep – literally, but also with your pocketbooks, to make sure this becomes a reality." 

Speaking on behalf of Mayor and Council, Civic Centre Events Manager, Myles Tycholis says, "The library is setting the bar for us here in building this new downtown reading garden."

"This institution is providing a true asset to our community and a great new addition to downtown greenspace."

Barb Harkins – a long time supporter of the library and the widow of the branch’s namesake – says ever since she first heard about the Knowledge Garden, she just felt it made sense.  "It extends the whole concept of our library," says Harkins.  "I think Bob would have been pleased."

As was the case with the Skylab, the library is now working to secure further private donations and corporate sponsors to fully realize the dream.

But the Chief Librarian is not willing to rest there…ever content to juggle more than one ball – or knives – as the case may be. 

Allan Wilson is already looking beyond the garden, "And if we can get this fully funded and done, we have even bigger plans: for a new entrance."

Both Bond and Wilson made personal donations towards the Knowledge Garden at today’s ceremony.