For Immediate Release | Check Against Delivery
October 29th, 2016
Mayor Crombie Marks 25th Anniversary of Central Library
The following are remarks by Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie delivered during the 25th anniversary celebrations of Central Public Library:
“Good morning, everyone.
“On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Members of Council, it gives me immense pleasure to join all of you to mark the celebrated occasion of the 25th anniversary of Mississauga Central Library – the jewel of our public library system.
“The Mississauga Library System is one of the largest public library systems in Canada with over 300,000 registered users, 18 locations including Central Library.
“Let me recognize the team of tremendous professionals from Library Services, and in particular, Rose Vespa, our Director of Library Services.
“I also want to acknowledge members of the Library Services Board, including Councillors John Kovac and Matt Mahoney.
“This isn’t just a milestone for Central Library – it’s also a milestone for Mississauga and our emerging, thriving downtown core.
“Long before there was Celebration Square, the Living Arts Centre, plans for the Hurontario LRT and our growing skyline, it was Central Library that was an important anchor of City Centre.
“Central Library was fundamental to driving people to our downtown core.
“Whether you’re a student or an avid reader, Central Library continues to be a popular destination for people of all ages.
“But Central Library is so much more than the vast collection of books it houses each day.
“People choose to come to Central Library to undertake a variety of free or reasonably priced public services to enrich themselves.
“We offer English-language services for newcomers to Canada wishing to improve their fluency, build their vocabulary and gain confidence in speaking English.
“In a city where over 50% of residents were born outside of Canada, we cannot underestimate the importance of this program.
“The Teen Advisory Group provides an opportunity for young people to have a voice in the Library.
“Central has services to explore your family tree. As we prepare to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation, wouldn’t it be interesting to see the role your family may have played in nation-building?
“I encourage you to learn more about local history by reviewing the Mississauga At War Exhibit, hosted by the Arts and History Department based out of this facility.
“Homebound Service brings print and audio materials to approximately 150 homebound residents across Mississauga.
“Library staff select and package material for delivery every four weeks.
“The delivery is provided in large part through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers and family members.
“The Noel Ryan Theatre is home to a number of popular symposiums.
“It’s where I held my inaugural Mayor’s Youth Speaker Series with business journalist, Amanda Lang.
“We had a tremendous turnout in large part because Central Library is a welcoming place for young people and a hub for youth activities.
“Students from Sheridan College, University of Toronto Mississauga, Peel and Dufferin-Peel School Boards, gather at Central to do research, be mentored, and access a wealth of material that will allow them to earn good grades and build a better future.
“It’s easy for young people – and people of all ages to get to Central Library – because it’s accessible by our public transit network – a network that will one day be home to the Hurontario LRT that will have a variety of downtown Mississauga stops along Burnhamthorpe and Duke of York, all within walking distance of Central Library.
“The LRT will only increase the popular demand for Central’s programs and services, and at the same time open it up to new possibilities.
“It goes without say that Mississauga’s next 25 years will not look like the last 25.
“As we look toward the future, Central Library – and all of our public libraries – will continue to be fundamental in our efforts to safeguard and elevate the unrivalled quality of life the residents of Mississauga enjoy.
“My thanks again to the staff, volunteers and patrons of the Mississauga Library System who are passionate about the important service this institution process our community day-after-day.
“Congratulations to everyone on this celebrated occasion!”
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