The Kedgwick Public Library, although small at 200 square meters, plays a significant role in the northern community situated about 80 kilometers southwest of Campbellton. Beyond just being a book-lending facility, it offers various amenities such as a children’s garden, a community kitchen, and clubs tailored for seniors, acting as a cohesive force within the community. Manager Diane Thompson, who has been with the library for 17 years, highlighted the diverse offerings, including puzzles, games, skateboards, and complimentary fishing equipment, with the exception of bait for ice fishing.
Thompson emphasized her openness to residents’ suggestions while acknowledging the need for additional staff and a larger space to enhance the library’s operations. She expressed pride in the library’s Eat Fresh program, which originated from a local resident’s concern about food insecurity. The initiative, managed by Flavien Dubé, gathers resources to provide families with bags of fresh fruits and vegetables for a month.
The library also engages schoolchildren in activities like tending a summer garden, where students learn about cultivation and sell produce to fund future projects. Additionally, the library serves as a social hub for seniors, offering them a space to socialize and engage in various activities. Similarly, the Raymond Lagacé Library in Atholville, managed by Kevin Soussana, houses tools and musical instruments for the community and hosts events aimed at fostering unity among different groups.
Both Thompson and Soussana advocate for increased staffing and expanded facilities to support the growing demand for library services and activities. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to providing a vibrant and inclusive space for community members. Thompson emphasized the need for more staff to accommodate the extensive range of activities organized annually, welcoming thousands of participants. The libraries continue to advocate for additional support, recognizing the vital role they play in promoting literacy and community engagement.
