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Bloomfield library land bequeath states ‘only for a library’

Sandra Dowds, on behalf of the Bloomfield Business Association, will tell Prince Edward County councillors they may not be able to consider making the Bloomfield Library surplus as according to the last will and testament of Ann Emily Fraleigh, the deed for the land for the Bloomfield library remains only as long as the land is used for a public library.
Dowds, in a letter to councillors, urges them to remove the sale of the Bloomfield branch from the list of suggestions aimed at improving the County’s financial sustainability.
“The Bloomfield Library’s value to the community far outweighs what little revenue might be gained from selling the building, if it could be sold at all. Will # 4383, which bequeathed the land occupied by the Library to the Village of Bloomfield, stipulated that should the land ever cease to be used for a Public Library, then ownership will revert to the surviving members of her family living in the village of Bloomfield.
“The library is one of the hubs of activity in the village, contributing to the community’s quality of place.  Within walking distance of most village residents, this tiny library provides access to a world of books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and online materials without the need to start a car.  This has special significance for the children, youth and elderly in the village.  “As the Bloomfield library is open only part of three days a week, savings from eliminating librarian salaries would not be significant enough to make up for the loss of this valuable service.
“The suggestion that the library could be moved to the lower level of the Bloomfield Town Hall has several drawbacks, not least of which is the fact that most of the lower level of the town hall is now the Bloomfield Visitor Centre.  Another asset to the village and the County, the Visitor Centre is maintained by BABA, with the cooperation of Taste the County, at no cost to the municipality.  It is heavily used by visitors during the tourist season, providing brochures and rack cards from restaurants, accommodations, shops, wineries, farm stands, events and attractions.
“As ratepayers, BABA members appreciate the need for efforts to improve the County’s financial sustainability.  We do not believe that the closure of the Bloomfield library or the disruption of the Bloomfield Visitor Centre would accomplish this goal,” said Dowds.

Filed Under: Local News

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  1. Steve says:

    Good work Sandra!
    Not only did you kick Council in a very sensitive area, but you have pointed out that the CAO did absolutely no research on this before bringing out the Big Axe.
    Brilliant work! I commend you.
    We all need to keep a watchful eye, because our Council automatically believes they own everything, and can shuffle things around like playing cards.
    Steve

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