The recent town hall meeting in Valleyview marked a significant moment for supporters of the local library, as it was the first time they could directly engage with the town’s mayor and council regarding the controversial decision to close the existing library and relocate it to a new K-12 school.
This decision has been a source of tension in the community.
The meeting was convened following weeks of criticism directed at the town council and several heated library board meetings, one of which even required RCMP intervention.
During the March 10 meeting, which was attended by over 100 residents, Mayor Vern Lymburner assured attendees that the library was not closing but rather being moved to a new facility.
He emphasized the benefits of relocating the library to the new Northern Gateway Public Schools facility, despite it being half the size of the current location.
Lymburner aimed to dispel rumors and misinformation circulating in the community.
However, the meeting’s format, which required residents to submit written questions instead of asking them verbally, led to frustration among attendees.
Some residents resorted to calling out questions during the meeting, resulting in heated exchanges.
The council’s previous decision to cut library funding by $60,000 in December 2023 and the process of appointing library board members were also points of contention.
Overall, the town hall highlighted the community’s deep investment in the library’s future and the need for more transparent communication between the town council and its residents.
