Love Your Library event raises $1,400 for KPL

MLA Scott McInnis sending petition to government to advocate for increased funding for KPL

Love Your Library event raises $1,400 for KPL Published 1:26 pm Wednesday, July 15, 2026 The community is showing support for the Kimberley Public Library as it advocates for more funding from the provincial government. A crowd of 150 people enjoyed an afternoon of storytelling, dancing, sing along songs and face painting at the Love Your Library event on Sunday, July 12.

The library hosted the event to raise awareness of the importance of its service to the community and the shortage of funding from the B.C government for the past several years. The government reduced provincial library funding by 22 per cent in 2009. It’s been frozen at this reduced amount ever since, yet the population the Kimberley Public Library serves has grown by 24 per cent and costs have increased by 36 per cent.

This has resulted in the library having to reduce its budget and time allocated for outreach to keep its doors open. MLA of Columbia River-Revelstoke Scott McInnis attended the afternoon’s festivities and had a petition for participants to sign. He plans to take the petition to Victoria to address funding challenges when legislative sessions resume in September.

This document will available to sign at the library this summer. Library Director Carmen Lazenby provided attendees with postcards and pens, so they could write to the provincial government about why the library matters. The postcards will be sent to the government along with the petition.

Kimberley Councillor Jason McBain spoke in support of the municipal government, which has been very financially supportive over the years in helping bridge the gap between provincial funding cuts and service levels. The event raised $1,400 in support of the library through admission sales. Kimberley Public Library staff and board express gratitude to the community for coming out to support and enjoy the event, including all the local community partners: Mark Creek Lions Club, Kimberley Rotary Club, Kimberley Elks Club, Kootenay Savings, Mountain and Pestle Pharmacy, Rays Music, Hafermehl Piano Services, Friends of the Library Book Store, Spark Youth Centre, flix@Centre64, and Save On Foods.

The Library appreciated the musical gifts of Arne Sahlen, Peri DiMarchi and Howard Street Blend; storyteller Corynn Gammon; ice cream server Cathryn; and the countless volunteers who offered to set up and clean the venue. Residents can continue to donate by cheque or e-transfer to director@kimberleylibrary.ca. Tax receipts will be issued for any donation of $20 or more.