The Cobourg library is to become a public entity. A bylaw to this effect is now being presented and the matter will not return to the polls.
At a meeting Monday night [Council?] unanimously approved a {?] from Councillor A.C. [?] to change the status of the Cobourg library, under jurisdiction of the Cobourg Library Association, to a public library to be controlled by a board as laid down in the Public Libraries Act.
This decision was reached after a long discussion and following strong initial opposition [?]. Coucillor Dr. O.S. Kerr favored taking the question before the electorate in December.
A five member deputation from the Cobourg Library Association appeared before council to ask that necessary steps be taken to have the town library declared a public entity.
The deputation’s recommendation included a request for council to study possibility of obtaining the present post office building for public library purposes. This building will likely be offered for sale when the new Federal Building, now under construction, is completed.
Spokesman for the deputation was Colonel C. Gordon King who called on Association member Harry Deyman, QC, to explain that the present postal building would likely be turned over to a Surplus Assets Board for disposal by tender. Mr. Deyman explained this procedure was used in disposing of the Bowmanville post office, now in service as a public library.
Mr. Deyman also pointed out that Public Libraries Act provides that a council may authorize the change to a public library without taking the question to the polls.
FAVORS PLEBISCITE
”I think we should take the matter to the people – That way more public interest would be stimulated,” said Dr. Kerr.
Clerk Jack Ewart advised there was little time to prepare the question for plebiscite on December 2.
”Well, I don’t think we should let the thing ride for another whole year,” said Councillor Field, “Why not go the limit right now there’s only Dr. Kerr opposed?”
”I’m not opposed!” Dr. Kerr jumped to his feet, “In fact I’m keen on the idea. But I believe we could stimulate more interest in the library by taking this question to a vote. Then people would known what is being done.”
”We’d just be wasting an entire year,” said Councillor Field.
”Well what does the Library Association want us to do?” asked Dr. Kerr.
Harry Deyman pointed out that council had already approved the change to a public library in principle and on recommendation of a council library committee set up to investigate the situation.
”In view of this we did not expect that you would want to put it to a vote,” he said. Colonel King concurred in this opinion.
”Don’t you think it would be better to ask the public to endorse it?” asked Dr. Kerr.
”We didn’t ask the public if we could build a sewage disposal plant for half a million dollars,” retorted Field, “Why should we not be considered to have sufficient intelligence to pass this?”
The Field motion was passed unanimously and a bylaw is to be prepared for reading at next meeting of council.
Mayor Burnet asked the Library Association to present a petition for council action.
$20,000 “RIDICULOUS”
Harry Deyman told the Board the present library building is held in trusteeship and stated it to be worth approximately $20,000.
”Ridiculous!” said Councillor Dr. O.S. Kerr.
”Perhaps, but that’s what we’ve been offered for the building,” said Mr. Deyman.
Mr. Deyman explained the building and other Library Association assets would be turned over to a Public Library Board when the final transfer of authority is made. He also stated there would be certain Government grants available when the library is declared a public entity.
