I was given a tour of the Telkwa Reading Centre recently and got to see the renovations that were done.
It is a unique building, right beside the river with a rich history in the village.
The little library is over a century old and recent modifications have made it more modern.
The bathroom was completely renovated to meet accessibility standards with added space, automatic door and new bathroom fixtures. The contractor was able to keep one wall in the bathroom that has very unique artwork on it. It looks like different artists have added to it over the years. It is very cool, worth checking out and it's amazing it was kept.
The two large front windows were replaced and new LED lighting was added to make the building more environmentally friendly. A new more accessible pathway into the library was also added so it is easier for patrons of all abilities to enter.
The Telkwa Reading Centre is a very special place and I think it is made that way because of the volunteers that work there. Volunteer facilitator Erin Cockriell gave me and my daughters the tour during their open house last week.
She was extremely welcoming and so kind to my children. There were snacks served and Cockriell made sure they were all made in Canada. All the details in the renovations and the open house to celebrate the work were not missed.
All the volunteers need to be commended for their hard work and their dedication to the community. The renovations are well done and were paid mostly by grant money. That means volunteers had to go out and find money and apply for it. These aren’t easy things to do and are time-consuming.
Libraries are a treasure in the community. They are a safe place where everyone feels welcome. In a world going digital, the pressure to keep libraries open and vibrant can’t be easy. But they are something worth maintaining. Libraries aren’t just places to check out books. They are places of learning and somewhere safe to go.
Libraries often host events, such as game nights and story hours for little ones. Librarians foster literacy, are champions of books and learning and probably the kindest people you’ll ever meet.
The Smithers Public Library is extremely lucky to have Wendy Wright at its helm. Last year, she was appointed a senior fellow by the Centre for Free Expression. She has previously told The Interior News that her role is more important than ever with an increasing number of challenges to books.
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group, she explained.
“It’s a lifelong passion,” she said. “And it’s something I have been doing, wherever I am. Throughout my whole life, I have spent 35 years, approximately, working with books in bookstores, libraries, and briefly for a publisher. And it has been my driving force making sure that people have access to anything they want to.
“And that is not the same thing as making everyone happy. Sadly, in fact, it can get pretty fiery, very spicy. We here at the library and every public library, our goal is to have something for everyone.”
The Bulkley Valley is very lucky to have two libraries with wonderful people working in them to ensure the community has a safe space where everyone has access to whatever reading materials they need.
