On this May afternoon, sitting on the upper floor of the Brûlerie St-Roch, I observe the people who come up against the closed doors of the Gabrielle-Roy library. A few people linger in front of the electronic panel which lists the opening hours of the only three establishments open since the start of this indefinite strike launched on 1er March.
Three out of twenty-six libraries is better than nothing. However, this must constitute a real headache for some of the customers. “Discover – Have fun – Dream” is not easy when the only buildings open are far from your home and your rather precarious physical condition complicates travel. We can always take advantage of this to encourage a few local bookstores. But what to do if you survive with a piggy bank whose stomach often cries out for famine? Choosing between the love of reading and the need to eat? As for the mini-libraries, although certain treasures are sometimes hidden there, it must be admitted that the choice is rather limited. We should also remember that not all homes host computers and the Internet, essential tools for evolving in today’s society. This is when municipal libraries come to the rescue by offering the opportunity to use their computer equipment for free. Don’t these cultural temples represent an essential service?
As I ponder the question, a woman and her daughter sit close to me. My neighbor at the table looks strangely like former MP Catherine Dorion. Whether it’s her or not, the scene remains magnificent on this Mother’s Day. They are seated opposite each other, each with a volume in their hands.
In front of the entrance to 350, rue Saint-Joseph Est, I notice three letters drawn in white chalk on the ground. SOS
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