"Library workers make libraries great": Kawartha Lakes region public library workers celebrate Library Week

KAWARTHA LAKES, ON, Oct. 17, 2018 /CNW/ - Public library workers in the Kawartha Lakes area, members of Local 855 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), and their supporters, are celebrating Ontario Public Library Week with the message that great libraries depend on great workers.

"We're very proud of the relationship we have developed with our patrons in the community. Residents in our region love their libraries and their library workers," said Kathy Coates, who is Vice Chair of CUPE's library workers coordinating committee.

Today, library workers and supporters will hand out buttons and postcards at branches in Bethany, Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Kinmount to commemorate Public Library Week, which began October 14^th and runs through October 20^th.

Since 1985, Public Library Week has highlighted the vital contributions that public libraries make towards enhancing the quality of life for residents in the communities they serve. Across the province, CUPE library workers are marking the week with celebrations scheduled in ten different communities.

Public Library Week is also an important opportunity to raise awareness about the need to ensure libraries and library workers have the requisite resources and tools to serve their communities, while providing important services and good jobs, said Coates.

"Libraries provide a vital service in our communities ? having a library close by can turn your neighbourhood from a good place to live to a great place to live. We proudly help to make libraries public spaces that welcome any and all. The key ingredient to offering great library service is the people who work in them, and so we are paying tribute to library workers in Ontario," she said.

SOURCE Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)