By Cecilia Nasmith/Northumberland 89.7 FM/Today’s Northumberland
Cobourg council failed to act on the idea presented by Cobourg Public Library Chief Executive Officer on a low-cost high-impact idea that could have meant $15,000 more in library revenues annually while offering a meaningful impact to the community.
Simply put, Robinson hoped to be able to have the library take over the room now occupied by the Northumberland Archives, which will move to new premises in September.
The library has the Rotary Room to rent out, and it can be divided into two smaller rooms if necessary by a wall that is not soundproof. But this is the only space they have to rent out, she said. It seems to be in continuous use and, in 2024, they had to turn down 176 requests for that space in either iteration.
Acquiring the archive space would offer the opportunity to make use of that area for meetings, for groups, for gatherings, for programming, for work space, for accommodating their non-traditional collection items such as seed library, jigsaw puzzles and telescopes.
The library that was built 30 years ago is serving a population that has grown beyond its ability to serve effectively. Groups that can’t get space are meeting around work tables. Students requiring tutoring are at desks out in the open. The privacy they should be accorded is just not possible.
“If the library is successful in leveraging this incredible space, the possibilities of what we could do and what we could offer our community are many,” Robinson said.
“Together, we can ensure our library continues to be a dynamic hub for community engagement.”
Asked by Councillor Adam Bureau why she was bringing the idea to council, Robinson replied that she had approached staff and learned that the town has plans of its own for the space to be vacated. Details on that plan were not shared by Robinson or by staff, and the motion was made just to receive her presentation for information purposes.
