Dear Community Partner,
Please fill out the form below to tell Mayor Canniff and members of Chatham-Kent Council that you value library services.
The Message:
Dear Mayor Canniff and Members of Council,
I’m counting on you to support Chatham-Kent residents by opening all eleven branches of Chatham-Kent Public Library (CKPL).
CKPL closed its doors on March 14 due to the COVID-19 Provincial Government mandate. All CKPL staff were laid-off on April 7, despite still being able to provide online library services. As of May 19, the Provincial Government has allowed libraries to provide curbside pickup, and as of June 12, libraries are allowed to provide home service and limited on-site services.
Despite the go ahead by the Provincial Government to allow certain library services, less than half of CKPL staff are back to work, leaving Chatham-Kent without access to valuable services. Currently, CKPL is only providing curbside pickup, and only at four branches. This leaves seven communities without access to library services. Even for those who have access to curbside pickup, a large portion of CKPL’s collection remains inaccessible, as material at closed branches is not accessible and material is not travelling between branches.
This is unacceptable. Libraries and library staff are vital to the community, and they are especially valuable during these trying times to support the mental, emotional, and social well-being of Chatham-Kent residents. Library services should not be cut to save the Municipality money during the pandemic. CKPL staff can provide library services from all library locations in Chatham-Kent while strictly adhering to the current provincial orders and direction from Public Health.
I value library services. Re-open all eleven Chatham-Kent Public Libraries now and bring library staff back to work.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Email
