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| The South Marysb urgh Mirror Volume Vi January, 1993 - Number 1 Five Reasons why we needed a new library For those who wondered, back in the early fall, where did the Library go, there are two answers. One is, that the library buiiding that served this community for so many years, was finally outgrown, and in need of much repair, se it was sold to become a home for the Model Railroad Ciub, on the farm on Frank Sharpe in Greenbush. The second answer is thatthe library is back in a new building, nat looks little changed from the old, but has more space and now boasts a washroom. But that's not all oui Ann Farwell Library can boast. Did you know that it has 11,044 bcoks? That it has a wide selection of periodicals, which include McLeans, Chatelaine as well as issues on woodworking, crafts, quilt- ing etc. The Toy Library also stops by every 2nd Thursday, with toys to be lent to children in the community. There are large print books for those of us whose eyes are a less than what they were as well zs talking books and books on tape for those who for one reason or another, can not read print. There are also video tapes for loan, as well as a catalogues of Naticn=! Fin Board and general interest video tapes that can be uriered and borrowed. And all this for 1,144 library usec in tv. townships or $11.00 per user per year. This translates iio 17e cost of two pocket novels per year. The library probably is the biggest bargain in either of the two townships. its budget is made up of grants given by the provincial government on behalf of the two townships (Athol and South Marysburgh) and a grant from the county. The township of South Marysburgh also gives a grant of a further $2,000. toward operating expenses. Periodically private donations are received for the con- tinuance of this service in the community. But all in all it amounts to avery small amount for the provision of a such an excellent library. The librarian, because there is no one else to do it, and no money to hire someone to help, shovels the snow from the ramp and doorway, acts as cleaner for the building as well as attending to those duties required as the librarian. These duties include purchasing books, cataloguing those books, ordering books from the Regional Library system, receiving and signing out books, sending out overdue notices, shelving books ard all the thousand and one details that make a well run library. The librarian also arranges for touring entertainments for the children of the community, that are sponsored by the library. As well, she volunteers an eight hour day or more, over and above the 15 hours a week that she Is pald to work. For thie, the librarian is paid little better than minimum wage. The operating budget for the library runs at under $13,000. out of which salary, utilities, supplies and cost of books are paid. Anyone who has bought a book lately, will know that even the lowly pocket book romance costs $4.99, with the average price of a pocket book being $86.99. A hard cover edition of a book (and popular current authors Library cont'd pg.