SOUTH DUNDAS, Ontario – Bill McGimpsey stepped down from his role as chair of the SD&G library board, stirring controversy following the decision to close three SD&G library branches in August 2016. McGimpsey served as chair for 10 years, and assuming the role is South Dundas Mayor, Evonne Delegarde.
Delegarde, who has been a board member for two years, voted in favour of these closures, generating some concern among community members who fear that this may not be the end of the closures. Many have perceived the closures to be a regressive step in addressing the needs of rural communities already struggling with limited resources.
Barb Lehtiniemi was on library board for three-and-a-half years, serving as vice chairman since 2015. She resigned when they voted in favour of closing the branches, and since stepping down, has been outspoken about her disappointment in the way the issue was handled. “The chair now has the big job of restoring public trust in the board, and also the confidence of staff, who have to deal with the effects of the board’s decisions,” said Lehtiniemi. “Let’s hope Evonne can pull it off.”
Delegarde will effectively step into her new role at the next board meeting Thursday, February 9 at the Finch branch. McGimpsey will maintain a position on the board, and Delegarde says that she looks forward to working alongside the former chair. “He’s been a cohort of mine for the two years I’ve been involved with the board, and we have great professional relations,” said Delegrade.
In response to the closures, Delegarde says that it’s important for municipalities and public to look at the whole picture, stating that the trio had been on the board’s radar for some time. “We need to examine the role of libraries within our community and how it continues to change,” said Delegarde.
She addressed the public’s concern over the targeting of further branches, saying that no conversation has taken place. “There has been speculation surrounding the closure of the Williamstown branch, but as of now, there are no plans to close,” said Delegarde.
Moving forward, the board plans to promote upcoming meetings in attempts to create a dialogue between the board and members of the municipalities.
“There are instances where people are no longer able to get to a library,” said Delegarde. “But I hope there is an opportunity for them to at least get to another branch.”
