An employee leaves the library

Caroline Richer (who also collaborated to the project "Bébé chevreuil découvre Argenteuil", see previous post) has resigned and is no longer in office. Thank you Caroline for your good service, your dynamism and your generosity.

What Do Librarians Do All Day?

Congratulations to the creators of "Bébé chevreuil découvre Argenteuil"

I learned from the newspapers that babies born in the year 2009 would receive through their municipality a copy of "Bébé chevreuil découvre Argenteuil". I found the idea delightful, as I am convinced of the usefulness of providing books to children and that, as soon as possible. In my view, it was also a great way to help nourish a sense of pride among residents and for those who participated in the preparation of the book, as it is indeed an accomplishment to be proud of. But most importantly for me, it allowed me to give roots to my son born in 2009, whom - I wanted and I still want - will grow in the region of Argenteuil, specifically in Brownsburg-Chatham.

And now I learn that the Les Arts et la ville recognizes the work of ÉLÉ (Éveil à la lecture et à l'écriture) and the Board of the MRC d'Argenteuil by giving the latter the price Culture et développement 2010 for a "municipality" of 20 000-100 000 (this is a first , this award given to an MRC).

"Comments of the jury:
The jury was charmed by the outstanding achievement that offers a novel, original and touching answer in a region with significant dropout rates and illiteracy. The introduction to the culture from an early age will have a positive effect in the long term. The jury also underlines the active participation of mayors of participating cities. "

Congratulations to Louise Blouin, who coordinated the project, and to all of the collaborators, including students from the Lavigne High School who illustrated the book.

Cynthia Dubé

New cuts at the library

Stated in paragraph 10.7 of the minutes of the Board of the Town of Brownsburg-Chatham April 6, 2010, which has just been posted on the city website:


"Public Library: New City Council Directive - Prohibition on proceeding with the purchase of books, journals, periodicals, DVDs, etc. / The provision of such items will come exclusively from the Regional Service Centre for Public Libraries (CRSBPL) Laurentides Inc. ".

Again, the board shows how little importance it attaches to the municipal library. The more we backstep, the longer will be the path of reconstruction. Are we now assisting to a slow death?

Finland's Model

Finland is often cited as an example when it comes to public library. No wonder. The attendance rate is nearly 80%, the school dropout rate around 0.034%. In comparison, the estimated attendance rate in Québec is 35.8% while the school dropout rate is around 31% according to the report of the Groupe d'action sur la persévérance scolaire au Québec of March 2009. (The figures come from a press release issued by Suzane Payette, President of Public Library of Quebec. In French.)

 

One reason that may explain the success of Finland in the field lies in the good relations that librarians have with politicians (and vice versa!). (See Demain, la bibliothèque..., BBF 2006 - Paris, vol 51, No. 6)

 

 

 

Internet Bus

 

To see and learn a little more, here are 2 French blogs:

• http://lebibwebzine.blogspot.com/2009/03/decouvrir-les-bibliotheques.html
• http://www.bibliobsession.net/2007/10/28/un-regard-sur-les-bibliotheques-finlandaises/

Cuts Consequences

The inevitable happened, because of staff cutbacks, the library of Brownsburg-Chatham has closed its doors on 14, 15, 22, 23 and April 24 as well as since May 2 until May 16. When staff is reduced to a minimum...

Quotes

Le danger, ce n'est pas ce que l'on ignore, c'est ce que l'on tient pour certain et qui ne l'est pas.

Mark Twain

Bibliothèque Rina-Lasnier à Joliette

But what can a man see of a library being one day in it?

James Boswell