Our Library Board, led by Chair Brenda McDermott and assisted by Librarian Norm Savage, did an excellent job of showcasing the Library and it's great history.
In it's infancy, the Killam Public Library consisted of a shelf of books, organized & donated by the IODE (Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire). Some of the original members of this group included Sarah Neely, Mrs. Vagt, and Mrs. Shennan. Other members throughout the years included Bessie Brodie & Marguerite Gibb.
Today the Library shares space with the Killam Public School Library, and is a great place to visit to borrow or read a book or magazine, access the world wide web, or just to relax & have a coffee.
The Killam Library and the work its board has done over the last 75 years is just one example of many great institutions within the Killam community that make it such a desirable place to visit & live. In Killam we are living "Life Without Compromise", and Killam Public Library is one of the reasons!
I was honoured to be asked to deliver a few words of congratulations, and my remarks follow.
Cheers,
Bud James
"To
those with ears to hear, libraries are really very noisy places. On their
shelves we hear the captured voices of the centuries-old conversation that
makes up our civilization."
This quote is attributed to Rev. Timothy Healy, former
President of Georgetown University and previously the head of the New York
Public Library.
With these few words, I think Rev. Healy has summed up the
importance of the institution of libraries.
Honoured Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen –
Good afternoon. On
behalf of my Council colleagues and our community I am pleased to offer
congratulations on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the
Killam Public Library, a great institution within the community of Killam.
Many of us have fond childhood memories of staying awake
way past our bedtime, totally immersed in and pouring through the pages of the
latest book by our favourite author.
Chances are that book came from the library.
For me it was the Hardy Boys. My wife Tammy liked the Bobsy Twins & Nancy
Drew. Our son Izaya is currently burning
through the Percy Jackson series by author Rick Riordan.
As an adult, watching a young person develop their
reading skills and fall in love with a good book is sure to bring a smile to one’s
face.
It is for this reason that Killam Library is so important
to our community. Thank you to all board
members, volunteers, Librarians - past & present - who have worked so hard
to make sure it remains a part of our social & cultural fabric.
I want to offer special acknowledgement to the current
library board, tasked with defining the role of the Killam Public Library
moving forward, in an era of advancing technology – e-books and on-line databases. There is challenge ahead to be sure, but
within challenge lies opportunity. I
know that you are up to this challenge, and will work hard to ensure Killam
Library remains an important part of our community.
Again, congratulations, and thank you to all for your
work to preserve “the captured voices of the centuries-old conversation that
makes up our civilization”.
