Expansion, Picton Gazette

The County of Prince Edward Public Library would like to extend an enthusiastic “thank you” to David Frum and Dr. Thomas Harrison for the enlightening discussion about Frum’s latest book, Trumpocalypse, held on August 6, and now available to stream at peclibrary.org/davidfrum.

If, like many across Prince Edward County, your internet connection isn’t robust enough for video streaming, watch it at the library. If you call in advance we will have a computer available as well as someone to help. If you’re interested in reading the book, we have copies at the library, or Books and Company has autographed copies. You can call the bookstore at (613) 476-3037 to reserve one – and if you agree, they will donate the “points” for each signed copy sold to the library, which we will use to enhance our collection.

As the book description says, “It is not enough to defeat Donald Trump on Election Day 2020. Even if Trump peacefully departs office, the trauma he inflicted will distort American and world politics for years to come.”

Clearly there is much to discuss, and if you’re interested in continuing the conversation and engaging further with the book, Thomas Harrison has agreed to lead a discussion group. Call (613) 476-5962 or email liz@peclibrary.org and we’ll contact you with the date for the group. Thank you too, to those of you who donated to the library expansion in lieu of a ticket price for the talk. We have heard repeatedly that the closure reminded you how important the physical library is in your life and how much you missed your weekly library trip to browse, see friends and neighbours, and stay connected. We also know that many rely on the library for high speed internet and guidance in using it safely, and that doing so in the branch with a tech person at hand to assist you is your preferred method.

Although the pandemic has changed the timeline for the expansion project, work is still ongoing. The “new normal” of COVID-19 precautions has highlighted limitations we knew existed in the current Picton Branch Library building, now even more pressing as we are all more cautious about enclosed spaces. The expansion is more crucial than ever to ensure that the library continues to be safe and accessible to all. The Library Board will be reviewing the expansion plans and addressing any improvements that can be made to the design to ensure easy physical distancing.

Throughout the library’s closure, even when there were many other things going in on all of our lives, you still kept giving. A number of individuals and corporations continued to donate throughout the closure, showing clear support for this project. Donations are accepted online at peclibrary.org, in person at any branch of the library, and by mail 208 Main Street Picton ON K0K2T0. Cheques should be made out to the County of Prince Edward Public Library with “Picton Branch Expansion” in the memo line.

-Liz Zylstra