Library gains charity status

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

For a number of years the Strathmore Municipal Library staff and board members have known that additional space is required, and one of the things holding them back are funds. That’s why last year a society was formed that then worked to gain charitable status.
“About a year ago we formed the Strathmore and Community Library Fundraising Society, and the purpose of it was to raise funds of course for the library,” said Richard Woodford, chair of the library board. “That’s the long term goal, is to try and get a new library building, but given the economic times it is probably going to take awhile before that is realized.”
Now that all the ducks are lined up in a row, the society is working on organizing fundraising events. The first one will be held on June 13, and Woodford said the plan is to just start with a book sale.
Afterwards, depending on how many people are part of the society board, plans will begin for different fundraising initiatives.
The goal for the society is simple – just to raise money. Once that is done, then the board will decide what the next steps will be. There’s already discussion about approaching the town, and the province, when the time comes to discuss cost sharing.
Woodford has been an active member of the library, and its board, since moving to Strathmore.
“As a former educator I am very, very supportive of libraries and have worked in several myself, and one of the first things I checked out when I moved to Strathmore was the library,” said Woodford. “I am delighted to say we have just an excellent librarian with Rachel, and also with the assistant director Carmen, and staff at the library.”
Donations can be made directly at the Strathmore Municipal Library, which is housed in the Lambert Centre. To become a member of the society, or to volunteer, leave your name with the staff at the library and it will be passed on to Woodford and the board.