Dear editor,
I am writing to express my concerns over the cut hours of the Ponoka library. As I understand it, the Ponoka Jubilee library did not receive enough of an increase to cover expanding operating cost, so they are having to decrease the hours that they are open late each week.
For someone who uses the library on a weekly basis, the early closing means I may not be able to use the library as much as I would like. I work out of town, so the longer hours worked well for me to access the library.
I also pick up books (on CD) for my senior mother (who is disabled and almost completely blind) every week, and this change in extended hours means I will not be able to get books for her as often as she requires them. As I see the library as a vital part of the community, the lack of funding increase is very disappointing.
Tracey Elliott,
Ponoka
Editor’s note: According to the Ponoka Jubilee Library, they made a request to the Town of Ponoka at the Oct. 18, council meeting for a funding increase from $96,660 to $111,660 per year to cover increased costs and to prevent the continued spending of reserves for operations.
The town approved an increase of $6,800 to $103,460 per year for 2023. The library board has accounted for this increase in their 2023 budget, however a decrease in service hours is required to maintain a balanced budget. The board says it is continuing to seek additional funding sources.