Dear Editor:
With the demise of the Wharton Street project. I am very concerned about the future of our public library.
Libraries, art galleries, museums, drop-in centres, theatres, arenas and so on are the cultural glue that creates and solidifies a sense of community, that develops a sense of oneness.
This has been largely lost with our urbanized society.
No more community dances, barn raisings and threshing crews that brought a community together to share and support each other and to have fun; in fact we often hardly know our neighbours.
Many of us like to live in the bedroom community of Summerland because it has a vibrant community spirit.
Our underfunded and undersized public library is a key focal point for learning, sharing, educating and welcoming all citizens in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
Where else can you go to be alone with your thoughts and not be assaulted with loud music, talk and frenetic activity?
As a society we must enhance, upgrade, maintain and adequately fund our cultural and educational gathering places.
I confidently predicted the demise of radio in the ’50s when the first television came to the Okanagan.
Well, I was as wrong as are the people today who predict the demise of books.
Recent major studies have shown that, despite the access to on-line books, the real thing is far from moribund.
Books that are hundreds of years old are still part of our world heritage as are the first crystal radio, telegraphs and computers.
The forms of communication are changing, but many people like me will never adjust to a totally cyber world, if only because books are a form of communication that is soulful, personal, intimate and quiet, things that humans need to lead enriched lives.
As Ray Grigg said “We are stuffed with sensations and starved for feelings.”
I want to acknowledge the competent, creative and enthusiastic staff at the Summerland library that do so much to enrich and support our community, culture and learning.
Laurie Rockwell
Summerland