Libraries are more than just books, patrons say as board eyes closing 2 branches with budget shortfall

Stephanie Radu visits the Carson library in Old East Village every other week with her seven-month old son. Living at a walking distance from the libraryallows herinfant to meet other kids in the neighbourhood through a variety of programs it offers.

However, thatmay soon end as the Carson and Glanworth branches of the London Public Library (LPL) face threats of permanent closure.

It's an option LPLmay explore in order to stay afloat if it doesn't get more funding in the municipal budget, on top of possibly reducing hours at other branches. Its requests for increased funds were were not approved by Mayor Josh Morgan in his proposed budget.

"It's sad that sometimes the city is very short-sighted on what many of our community sites and our arts and culture mean to the community. It makes itso much harder for the people in the neighbourhood to access those resources," said Radu.

"I know the central library has extended hours, but it's not necessarily easy for us to lug the baby all the way there with a stroller. The walk nearby is really important."

The library got 5.4 per cent of the total 8.6 per cent increase it asked for in its base budget, said Brian Gibson, who chairs the library board.

"The budget we asked forisn't to go above and beyondit's to maintain current service standards. In the last four-year budget cycle, we've had a lot of inflation and costs have gone through the roof for a lot of things," hesaid.

Foot traffic at Carson and Glanworthis much lower compared to the library's 14 other locations,Gibson said. Both branches already have reduced hours, with Glanworth only open for fourhours every week betweenTuesdays and Saturdays.

"If we're looking at closing branches, obviously we're going to look at branches that make the least impact [in numbers] and Idon't want people to think these two branches don't have an impact on the community, because we know the reliance individuals have on them," Gibsonsaid.

Public spaces for rural communities

The Glanworthlibrary serves as a gathering space for the rural neighbourhoodin south London, and its loss would be a detriment to the entire community, said Victoria White.

Whitewas among a group that rallied to keep the library open 12 years ago, when it was on the brink of being defundedinthen Mayor Joe Fontana's budget.

There aren't many public spaces left in Glanworth,so although the facility is small, it's vital to those who use it, White noted.

"Glanworth is shrinking like all small rural communities, so it's not just this street that the library serves it serves a wider rural area as well," she said."We live in an age where people live digitallives and libraries are still a public space, so it's important to keep public spaces alive."

For Mel Stiller, the Glanworth library has not only helped foster her sonFord'sdevelopment through books and various crafts activities, but it's also created a safe space for her family through the power of community.

"We moved here from the suburbs and I've never seen another neighbourhood that is this tight knit. Every single person here has been to my door and knows my kid by name, andwe have this library to thank," saidStiller, who lives across from the branch.

"My kids have so much more life to live in this neighbourhood and it would be sad to lose this gem. We won't probably find another place like this."

The budget consultation continues through this month. The final budget is due to get full approval from council in March.

"It's not just about books it's about all the services a library provides," said White. "They offer so many programs and services, so it's an important part of the community."