The protection of the written and spoken French language seems to be an important issue for many. The degree and quality of literacy among young and old are of concern. The desire and ability to tackle long, thoughtful texts rather than tweet on the Web are among the avenues of solution. In this regard, public libraries can be seen as essential to the promotion of French language and culture.
The public library also remains an important bulwark against systemic disinformation on the Web. What about foreign interference and threats from these ChatGPTs of this world?
The economic situation of many of our native and newly arrived citizens is sometimes very precarious. Food banks are no longer enough. Affordable housing is almost non-existent. Theatre, cinema, shows, books in bookstores have become a luxury that many cannot afford. Libraries remain the last refuge for accessing free culture. It seems obvious to me that free and easy access to libraries is desirable and beneficial to all and should be encouraged.
Currently, archaic regulations complicate matters. A citizen who lives in a village must pay between 100 and 200 dollars annually to be able to benefit from the full services of the library of the largest adjacent municipality. In my opinion, all citizens of an MRC should have access to all the libraries of the MRC free of charge. It is often easier to visit a library in the municipality where you work or study than in your place of residence. Why does a citizen of Sainte-Mélanie have to pay $175 to borrow books from the Rina-Lasnier library in Joliette, or an Assumptionist pay $100 to do the same from the Robert-Lussier library in Repentigny? Rather than creating constraints, on the contrary, everything must be done to attract everyone and especially young people to the library, regardless of where they live.
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