Lt. Gov. of Ontario David C. Onley pushing for a public library in every First Nation
From the Belleville Intelligencer
Lieutenant governor pushing for library in every first nation
Posted By By W. Brice McVicar - February 10, 2009
TYENDINAGA — Only 38 per cent of First Nation communities in Ontario feature public libraries but Lt. Gov. of Ontario David C. Onley is hoping to see that change.
Onley was the featured speaker for the launch of First Nations Public Library Week at the Tyendinaga Community Centre. Running from Feb. 9 through to 14, the week’s goal is to encourage the creation of First Nation libraries, increase the public’s awareness of a library’s value and its contributions to a First Nations community.
“Enhancing literacy appeals to me both as a father of three sons.... and as a former reporter who covered and wrote about education,” Onley said.
He said literacy is the key to education and libraries hold vast amounts of knowledge. Communities lacking libraries, he said, are missing a facility where residents can expand both their education and their imaginations.
Like his predecessor, James K. Bartleman, Onley is hoping to help First Nations communities establish libraries through a book drive. Under Bartleman, over one million gently used books were donated by Ontarians to allow the 28 fly-in communities on the province’s north establish libraries.
Onley is also conducting a book drive, though he said he is asking Ontarians to hand over new books and is specifically hoping for biographies.
“I’m hoping young Aboriginals can learn about people who overcame great things and are inspired to do the same,” Onley said.
Accompanying Onley in the launch of the week was Minister of Culture, Aileen Carroll. She said this year’s theme for the First Nations Public Library Week, “Knowledge Keepers: Speak Up for First Nation Public Libraries,” recognizes the valuable role of librarians on First Nations lands.
“The work you do, as you know, is not only important in promoting literacy” but is also vital in ensuring traditional tales are passed down from generation to generation, the minister said.
Karen Lewis, librarian at the Kanihote Tyendinaga Territory Public Library, said having her community picked to host the launch was a great distinction.
“It’s an honour to represent my librarian colleagues and their communities and a wonderful opportunity to promote public library services to our community,” she said.