“The Club coordinator admits that one of the current disappointments is that more than a year after the opening of the new library, the hours are such that access is still limited. The library does not currently open after regular working hours or on weekends. Among the Club’s hopes was to get the kids into the library at least once a month – but with the library not open on Saturdays when the Club meets, that’s not possible. Among the hopes was to get the children into an environment where there are books – though, with the lending programme on hold since its move, not necessarily borrowing; getting them to learn how to use a library and understand the value of a library; and contributing to the library being an obstacle-free community space.” (Read the full release)
Good news though, the library is now reportedly lending books on a limited basis.
How long has the Cushion Club been around? One of these children is getting ready to finish university and one is getting ready to finish high school in just a couple of years. Both would have come of age with either no public library or a library at less than full potential. We welcome the baby steps towards returning the library to the level of functionality (and more) that it enjoyed before the 1974 quake.
Wadadli Pen 