Centennial Year Budget For PG Public Library

By 250 News

First Presbyterian Church/library, 1911  photo courtesy The Exploration Place

Prince George, B.C.-  Supporters of the Prince George Public Library filled the gallery, as councillors received the library's annual service agreement request at the city's first budget meeting on Wednesday evening.

With board members, members of the youth advisory board, and employees looking on, Vice-Chair, Leslie Gilchrist, highlighted some of the special events and projects planned at the library this year, as it marks its 100th Anniversary.  But, she said, "Our budget request is much like last year - conservative, with no increases beyond covering rising costs, while staying within current City guidelines."

Gilchrist said there are no new service enhancements planned this year.  "We are working within the 2.2-percent guideline you set to maintain labour costs while planning new efforts, using our current resources better."

Prince George City Councillors approved the budget request of $3.62-million dollars, up from $3.54-million last year.

Gilchrist pointed out the library has come a long way since it began in 1911 in the First Presbyterian Church with a collection of just 74 books.  She said one of the fundraising efforts the board has committed to beginning this centennial year is for a Knowledge Garden, claiming unused space between the library and civic centre for a park. The board has committed to $25-thousand dollars in each of the next three years towards the garden. Work is underway on the project's complete design and full costs. (preliminary design shown in photo below and included in Wednesday evening's presentation)

"This project is entirely funded by strong community interest from numerous volunteer partners," Gilchrist told city councillors.  "This park will be designed for use both in the summer, and also in the winter and during the upcoming Canada Winter Games."

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us