They weren’t elves that visited the Morinville Public Library last week and the presents they brought weren’t even gift-wrapped but the administrators still felt like it was Christmastime. The donation of magazine racks, bookcases and other shelving and display units came from Servus Credit Union, facilitated by the United Way’s InKind Centre, a support store for member non-profit organizations and other community groups.
Earl Pasechnik, the centre’s manager, said he knew of the library’s request for the furniture so when he got the call from a representative at Servus saying that these various items had become available, it only took some library staff members to conduct a quick inspection at the former site of the Lois Hole Library in Edmonton to determine the furniture’s suitability before it was a done deal.
“They decided it would fit their needs.” He gave praise to Servus for also covering the cost of transportation. “It’s an excellent fit.”
The branch manager of Morinville’s Servus Credit Union location couldn’t have been more pleased to play a part in helping the library out. His company’s philosophy is about being involved in the community, he explained.
“We’re a little different than other financial institutions. We’re member-owned so our owners are members of our community.”
He said that it’s important to give back to people in different ways. “If it’s a case of identifying a community need, we’re very active. Sometimes it’s challenging … but it’s really good when we can have something fit together so nicely. Who would think there was a need in Morinville that can be solved by surplus library furniture in Edmonton?”
The donation will provide a much-needed addition of shelving space to the public facility that has experienced growing popularity during this recent period of economic trouble.
“Libraries have always relied on donations. We’re very fortunate in Morinville that we have great support from our municipality but we always depend on donations.”
She said that ultimately this would enhance the overall library experience for more than 2,000 members. “We do have that responsibility and duty to respond to what the need of the community is. For us, [the gift] is a big relief. That’s one thing we don’t plan for and do a lot of fundraising. Now we have this shelving and we can move forward and respond to the community.”
The Morinville Public Library is located at 10119 — 100 Ave. It will have reduced holiday hours, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow and next Thursday, and closed on Christmas, Boxing Day, next Tuesday and New Year’s Day. For more information call 780-939-3292 or visit www.morinvillelibrary.ca.
