St. Clair/Silverthorn Library is one of the smallest in Toronto yet no less important to those who rely on its services.
Fearful for its future in light of consulting firm KPMG's suggestion that the city close a number of its libraries and reduce programs to cut costs, the Carleton-Davenport Village Residents' Association would like to engage local residents in a campaign to save the branch. The residents' association is hosting a meeting, Tuesday evening, Aug. 30 at the Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Centre at 7 p.m."St. Clair/Silverthorn and St. Clair Dufferin are two of the smallest libraries and they're both in our ward," said residents' association spokesperson Sylvia Bergeron, whose husband Claude is its chair. "We can't afford to lose the library."Bergeron and her husband moved to the neighbourhood eight years ago and recall noticing the library on St. Clair Avenue immediately. Right away, it was clear to her, said Bergeron, that it was a hub of activity, especially for children. Over the past decade or so, the branch has seen improvements, such as repainting and re-carpeting in 2000, followed by new shelving two years later. In 2008, the branch's front facade got a face lift. That same year, its hours of operation increased from 38 to 40 per week. "It's lovely now, very attractive," said Bergeron. "It's always full of children."Its regular programs include 'web basics,' 'family time' and 'pyjama time.'The library is crucial to the area, said Bergeron, especially because the neighbourhood is growing. The group is hoping to get Davenport Councillor Cesar Palacio to join in their campaign. He had yet to return requests for comment by the Villager's press deadline. "We need to reach the greatest possible number of residents," said Bergeron. If you would like further details, visit http://cvra.wordpress.com/At the Aug. 30 meeting, the Carleton-Davenport Village Residents' Association will also be discussing the new 11 Division Police Station that's set to open in September. The association played an important role in persuading Toronto Police Services to save the historic portion of the Old Carleton Village Public School building and integrating it into the new station, which it is very proud of, said Bergeron.