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Library looking at next steps for funding

Canvassing will start soon and a silent auction will be held in November.
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While the Eckville library will not be closing anytime soon, concern was raised at the last town council meeting in regards to the struggles the library has been facing with funding.

Dana Kreil, the board chair for the library addressed this concern directly in an email, “Libraries in smaller towns and villages tend to run on tight budgets. They rely on various grants and can sometimes end up with cash flow issues until the next grants arrive.”

To ease the financial strain the library is experiencing, the town will be giving smaller chunks of funding several times a year rather than providing the usual once a year lump sum. “Both the Town of Eckville and Lacombe County provide funding as they recognize the importance of libraries,” Kreil wrote.

Kreil indicated the Eckville library is working on switching the accounting program used by the library and hopes to have it in place for when the library board and management meet later in October to prepare the budget for presentation at town council later this year.

The concern raised about the library closing comes at a time when the library is looking to fundraise and collect donations for keeping the library open.

“Libraries rely on grants but they also rely on fundraising and donations from community members and businesses. Your donations and contributions to our fundraising enable us to provide more programs and the best service possible,” Kreil wrote.

The library is planning to have a silent auction at the library in November. Kriel wrote, “We would encourage you to come and bid on some of the great items that will be up for auction.

The library will also be canvassing the community and local businesses for annual sponsorship opportunities.

Kreil is positive about the library continuing to stay open saying that financial offerings given will support the library as it grows as a “hub in [the] community.”

She ended her email with a message to the community: “You may be personally visited by a library representative who will canvas you or you may receive a letter in the mail providing you with options for making donations. We have an excellent library in Eckville and we encourage you to come and take out a membership and explore our library!”



myranicks@eckvilleecho.com

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