Boding well

Dear sir:
The reports in this newspaper regarding the many discussions concerning the new Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre have been very interesting and encouraging.
One conclusion is very clear. The citizens of Fort Frances and district are in favour of a new modern, forward-looking library.
While the original location caused citizens to consider their pledges carefully, it was the report in the media of the failure to secure provincial funds, as anticipated, that opened up these fruitful discussions.
Budgets are a fact of life and failing to operate within reasonable limits can be regretted.
A recent report out of Toronto dealt with declining enrolment in schools and school closures. An interesting solution to these problems was suggested.
The report stated “declining enrolment and other policy issues [was] a chance to open up our schools, to make them live up to the enormous potential they have as a kind of community asset.”
The report then suggested “Ontario look to Saskatchewan School Plus Program or Quebec’s Community Learning Centres initiative, which have successfully integrated things like dentistry clinics, community computer labs, public libraries, and public health services into schools.”
In light of the present project, with local leadership, perhaps improvement to all aspects of the community could be achieved.
The co-operation shown by town council, the library board, and the local public school board bodes well for the future.
Signed,
Kenneth J. Egan
Fort Frances, Ont.