Dear Editor:
I am writing on behalf of the Rimbey Nursery School Parent Board in regards to the expansion of the library and its programs for the children of our community.
There has been much debate over the recent weeks about what this expansion will mean to the community of Rimbey and we feel it is important everyone realizes what an invaluable asset the library is to our community and more importantly, to the growing families that reside here in Rimbey.
The Rimbey library is a place in our community where anyone and everyone can go to read, be educated and have a sense of belonging. We don’t take kindly to the comment that the library is merely a room of books, for it is a place where our children can read and be read to, an outlet where people in the community can have access to the Internet, a place where kids of all ages can come together and enjoy board games and fun programs such as “Movie Night,” which is an affordable fun night out, but unfortunately it is overfilling the space they currently have.
It is a place where adults can meet together and converse about certain books they have enjoyed and on many occasions special guest speakers such as children poetry readers, RCMP dog trainers and animal wildlife specialists.
They host special evenings such as wine tastings for adults plus story time and senior time during the week. Books are wonderful but having a place that can bring the true meaning behind the books to life is priceless.
Rimbey Municipal Library has always gone above and beyond to offer so many interesting and interactive programs that not only allow a safe and fun environment for our children but a place where they can learn a library offers much more than just books but the true meaning behind the books. Many of our children have spent rewarding days in the library learning about such things as wildlife and space, as well wonderful programs such as boys days and beach days.
The community of Rimbey is continuing to grow with so many new little ones, our Rimbey Nursery school is almost at capacity with more than 160 spots full. There is a need and a huge desire for places for these young children to learn, grow and make new friendships.
The expansion of the library will not only allow for there to be the amount of room we need to allow everyone of those children to participate in programs but as well allow the kind of space it needs to offer a little bit of a room for everyone in our community.
About 50 per cent of the programs offered in Rimbey for our young children are put on by the library. It is our belief that stopping the expansion of the library would be a huge mistake. If there is something we should be investing our time and money in it is our children, our future and the amazing library that offers the opportunity to learn, grow and explore. We ask that you think long and hard about going against this expansion because as far as the true facts go the expansion of the library is a small investment in an amazing opportunity for growth in our community.
Most of the arguments put forth by Reuben Geibelhaus and Joe Anglin have been addressed in previous letters to the editors by Jean Keetch, Ron Sheppard, Lorie Armstrong and other concerned citizens. It seems Mr. Anglin is worried that the Alberta Government will mortgage the building, essentially selling it out from under us, however, this is pure speculation and as our elected representative we would hope that Mr. Anglin would use his position in government to do all that he can to prevent this from happening, should his fear come to fruition.
At a recent town council meeting Mr. Geibelhaus asserted his belief that the library is essentially being used as a taxpayer funded babysitting service. However, The library is an important developmental aid to young children. Young children need stimulation to grow their intellect. Rimbey is lucky to have the free or low cost programming it does have provide almost exclusively by FCSS or the library. The more options for children to be stimulated the better their development will be.
The Rimbey library has a dedicated and knowledgeable staff whose programming aimed towards younger children is very appropriate and definitely appreciated. The programs are all educational and include themes such as science, English, geographically, and social activities. The library is as much a taxpayer-funded babysitting service as teachers are. The library engages and inspires children. The library is being called an entertainment venue, however, any educational professional will tell you that children are engaged with learning when they are entertained by it. We are behind any effort that offers our children advancement and greater knowledge.
The library is a valuable asset for a small town and the Rimbey Nursery School Parent Board fully support and welcome the expansion of the library.
Amanda Halvorson for the RNS Parent Board