Marigold outlines funding structure for council

Times Contributor

 

Michelle Toombs, Director of Marigold Library System, addressed the reason smaller libraries had recent pleas for extra money.

“It is true some of our smaller libraries are in dire need of funds,” said Toombs.

She went on to outline the services required by the individual libraries under their contracts. She also described the services provided to those libraries by Marigold. Libraries are required to provide facilities, furniture and equipment, upkeep, staff salaries and benefits and all utilities. 

Marigold, one of seven such library systems in Alberta, provides computer networks with IT staff, video conferencing infrastructure and support, material of various kinds, professional consultation and training services, acquisitions, cataloguing and processing, delivery of materials, marketing, TRACpac online catalogue, electronic resources, paperback by mail and deposit and cards that can be used Alberta wide.

“Libraries are not just about buildings anymore,” said Toombs, who pointed out technology is making a vast amount of information available in a virtual format.

Dollar for dollar, Marigold offers a positive return for the per capita investment made by Wheatland County.

“For approximately 3 per cent investment, Wheatland is getting an 11 per cent value,” said Toombs.

She noted that those libraries without a board pay smaller per capita rates; however, they did not qualify for an annual provincial operating grant that would provide and extra $6,840 to the smaller libraries. Boards also take on private and corporate fundraising duties, apply for various grants and provide direction for the libraries.

 “We feel they (the libraries) need that or they are not sustainable,” said Toombs.

She challenged the councillors to help the smaller libraries remain viable as there are many community benefits to having a library.

“Police say libraries reduce crime,” said Toombs, as they keep youth off the streets, offer education and help for the unemployed. 

She said that Marigold would like to continue to work with Wheatland County to provide the best possible library system available for county residents.

Councillors agreed the presentation was very informative and would be valuable as they discuss the issue at the upcoming budget meeting and Community Enhancement in early March.