Marily Seitz | Jun 16, 2011


When the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) Board abruptly closed the Ompah Library in April, the community was shocked. Our little library, built by volunteers and community donations before being folded into the KFPL system in 1998, satisfied our needs and its closure left a large hole. We decided to create an interim library/community resource centre until library services are again provided.

The Ompah United Church - bless 'em- offered the use of Kelford Hall, and after the Frontenac News article about the creation of an interim library service, bags of books began appearing at the church hall. John Donalan, a retired librarian from Godfrey, drove up with a bag of books on Saturday, and then stayed to help sort and organize the collection. He, and the Ompah Lirary Users Group (OLUG), are astonished at the quality and variety of books donated. There are mystery, non-fiction, romance, general novels, and kids books, talking books, and CDs.

The interim Community Resource Centre is up and operating with volunteers out of the Ompah United Church Hall, Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm, and Saturdays from 12 to 2 pm.

At their meeting on June 13, North Frontenac Township Council voted to open the former library site to the interim library. The use of the church hall has allowed library services to continue uninterrupted, but space is limited. The plan is to have the interim library in the old library space by the beginning of July, but until then it will continue to operate out of the Ompah United Church.

The Little Library That Could is now looking for two computers. High-speed internet service is being explored along with the possibility of hiring a student to open the interim library for more hours during the summer. More donations of books, DVDs and CDs are welcome. The group is especially looking for children's books. The OLUG are grateful for the overwhelming support they have received from the United Church, the local community, and further afield. For more information, contact Helen Forsey (479-2453) or Marily Seitz (479-2855).

 

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