The Moose Jaw Public Library is receiving a little help from its friends in the form of a $24,000 gift as it works to upgrade the equipment in its theatre.
The library has been planning for several years to upgrade the theatre’s failing sound system and projector, which were installed in 1992 when the city last renovated the library, art gallery, and museum.
The organization budgeted $8,000 last year to purchase a new projector and $23,000 this year for the sound system. However, after reviewing the available technology, staff realized they would be short money to make these purchases.
So, The Friends of the Library stepped in to cover the shortfall with a donation of $24,000. Half of the donation will support the purchase of a projector — now worth $20,000 — and the other half will go toward the sound system, now valued at $35,000.
Therefore, the total cost of the purchases is $55,000, a jump from $31,000.
Head librarian Gwen Fisher brought the budget adjustment request to the July 10 regular city council meeting and spoke about how The Friends of the Library has supported the organization over the years. Three members were also in attendance.
Council later voted unanimously to approve the updated budgets for the sound system and projector.
Supporting the library
The Friends of the Library was formed in 1989 and is a volunteer non-profit group that believes in libraries and their importance to communities, Fisher explained. The non-profit’s mandate includes supporting library projects and acquisitions that are not part of the library’s annual budget. Its members determined helping refresh the 135-seat theatre met that goal.
Besides providing financial assistance, the group stimulates community awareness and use of the building, creates public support for the venue and promotes the library regularly. Furthermore, it co-ordinates and runs the library’s annual used book sales, with 100 per cent of the proceeds helping the library fund projects and enhance collection services.
Some recent initiatives The Friends has funded include a 3D printer, annual book club kits and summer reading kits for children and adults.
Fisher pointed out that besides the library and art gallery, other organizations — such as the Festival of Words — regularly use the theatre. With the equipment there 31 years old, replacing it “is long overdue.”
“We’re really grateful to The Friends for their commitment to make the library a gem of our community (and) we’re really excited for this purchase … ,” she added.
Council approval
Coun. Dawn Luhning commended The Friends of the Library for its good work in supporting the venue now and in the past. She thought it was wonderful to see a partnership like this between a non-profit group and a community organization that operates in a city-funded building.
“I think it’s fantastic,” said Mayor Clive Tolley. “We’ve got to improve the sound. The facility is used lots, and the better experience for the patrons, the better for all of us.”
The next regular council meeting is Monday, July 24.
