Deer Lake Public Library Upgrades Unveiled

The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, was at the Deer Lake Public Library this morning (Thursday, April 28) to celebrate the completion of approximately $150,000 in renovations and upgrades to the facility.

“Our provincial libraries are an integral part of our public education system and play an important role in providing valuable information, programs and services to citizens of all ages,” said Minister Burke. “As such, we have been making targeted investments over the past several years to upgrade library facilities and have, to date, completed projects in Labrador City, Grand Bank, Stephenville and now Deer Lake. It is part of our efforts to ensure public libraries remain safe and comfortable environments for patrons and staff for many years to come.”

Improvements made to the library over the past year include new roofing, windows, siding and doors, improvements to washrooms and office space, interior painting, electrical upgrades, a new circulation desk, and new shelving and computer stations.

“We are extremely pleased with the improvements we have been able to make to the Deer Lake Public Library,” said Cal Taylor, Chair of the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board (PILRB). “Over the past six years, we have been working to improve not only our services and programs, but also our facilities, which are a critical component of library operations. Our goal is to improve all of our buildings over the next several years, starting with those which have the greatest need, and the additional funding provided by government is helping make this possible.”

“This is great news for Deer Lake,” said Humber Valley MHA Darryl Kelly. “The Deer Lake Public library is an important part of our community. Libraries are key, not only to individual growth and success, but to the social and economic well-being of our communities. I acknowledge the significant contribution of the local library staff and the Deer Lake Public Library Board for their dedicated efforts on behalf of the patrons they serve.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, provides an additional $100,000 for priority repairs and maintenance projects at provincial library sites.

Over the past six years, the Provincial Government has provided $2.7 million in additional annual funding for the PILRB, and more than $1.3 million in one-time funding for specific projects. This investment has funded infrastructure improvements, repairs and maintenance, development of an early literacy program, increased operating hours at 47 libraries, and training for volunteer library board trustees and staff.

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Photo 1: Minister Burke celebrates the completion of renovations and upgrades to Deer Lake Public Library. Pictured (l-r) are Dean Ball (Mayor of Deer Lake), Cal Taylor (Chair of the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board), Darryl Kelly (MHA for Humber Valley) and Minister Burke.

Photo 2: Minister Burke chats with Ross Wight, recipient of the library board's Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing his 41 years of volunteer work in support of public libraries.

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2011 04 28             11:30 a.m.