Follow up on last Library Committee meeting

It was last Oct. 28.


We discussed possible avenues for a future library in Brownsburg-Chatham. It was unreal, too good to be true. Mayor Dinel joked, raising the idea of creating a library of Alexandria here.

The message was clear: We will have a new library, it must be large enough to meet demand that will inevitably be 30% higher, as is the case with any new library. The next step was to identify potential sites. There was talk of a three-year plan.

You may have the impression of a bitter downside to come as I use the imperfect. The flaw in this beautiful scenario is the departure of Mr. René Lachance as executive director of the city.

Mr. Lachance demonstrated competence in his position which could reassure us as to the likelihood of actually achieving these steps. His departure is no good news. Will the council stick with these resolutions in preparing the next budget? Will it simply be overwhelmed by the task of finding a new general director? This new person will need to get familiar with the city's issues, go a period of probation. Will he realize the importance of a public library for a population?

These are just a few questions. The next budget in December is to watch closely. Have we bought time or has the committee's creation been successful and helped our cause?