RAINY RIVER—Public libraries offer services that often times members of their community are not aware of. These programs are an integral part of their community and allow individuals, families and community groups to come together to engage in activities that enhance their lives.
But for Rainy River Public Library, their future looks grim. Just two weeks ago, the library board learned that their landlord intends to triple their rent costs as of Aug. 1, 2022; an increase that the library just cannot afford to pay. According to the Library’s Facebook news release, to be forced to pay this unrealistic amount would put them into a bankruptcy situation.
Paying monthly rent costs for a community service such as this is one thing, but paying triple the amount for a building that they describe as one that also has safety issues is another. If they are forced to pay this rent increase, the board has stated that they would have no choice but to close permanently; a choice that they refuse to make.
”We’ve heard loud and clear from you that the library matters. We also believe the library matters…to so many people for so many reasons,” stated members of the library board. “Our new space will be the former AllSew store at 317 4th Street in Rainy River. We have had to make this plan to move at very short notice and with no real resources,” added board officials.
The last day in their current building will be July 26, 2022. The Library Board indicated their intention is to re-open at the 317 4th Street location on Aug. 2, 2022 and that with the community’s help, they will get there. The board and staff thanked Judi Helgeson for her generous offer of AllSew when they needed it so urgently.
The board provided a list of things that the community can do to help, including the following:
- Please let us know if you can help pack and move the collection. Also let us know if you can help dismantle and set up our shelving. You can reach the library by phone at 807.852.3375, email [email protected] or message us on Facebook and Instagram.
- Support our Moving Sale during Railroad Daze: Friday, July 15 from 10 a.m. -.2 p.m.; Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Everything must go!
Your donations can help us make necessary changes to our new building.
Contact your local municipality to let them know you care about the future of your library:
- Town of Rainy River - 807.852.3244; [email protected]
- Township of Dawson - 807.852.3529; [email protected]
- Township of Lake of the Woods - 807.852.3529; [email protected]
- Township of Morley - 807.483.5455; [email protected]
Write our MPP, the Hon. Greg Rickford. The province has had library funding frozen since 1997. Write: 279 Scott St, Unit 1, Fort Frances ON P9A 1G8; 807.274.7619; gregrickfordmpp dot ca / contact
As a final note to their announcement, the board asks that because their new space is much smaller than their old one, that everyone hold on to donations of books, DVD’s, CD’s and magazines for now.
There is no doubt that this is a very difficult time for Rainy River Public Library. The current outpouring of community support has been so important to them. They want everyone to recognize that they are doing everything possible to keep serving them.
