The Pickering Public Library, under the leadership of Jackie Flowers, showed great promise when she took on the responsibilities of Pickering’s library system five years ago.
The future looked very promising, with Flowers enhancing the appearance and services of the largest branches. She seemed to be on a positive and constructive initiative, updating and modernizing the ‘old’ library. Unfortunately, the initial dynamics and energy seem to have waned.
Fermo might disagree…read his recent experience with the library -> BARKside
Considering some other library systems, some smaller, some larger, the PPL seems tired and drained. Flowers needs to fertilize the flower bed of the library, revitalize it and boost its ebbing presence in the City. Three concrete ways way to do this:
- Launch a newsletter describing the upcoming events and library services;
- Host occasional soirees with wine and cheese (Oh woe puritanical political governing bodies) to showcase their innovations and new initiatives;
- Encourage City Councillors, Brenner, Butt, Cook, for their input based on their constituency interaction. They need to do more than just sit on the Board.
The library should not slide into a moribund personification of its old self.
Libraries should be social centers, sparkling hubs, and vibrant hearts that revive and breathe life and living into the City. The Pickering Public Library may be tiring a bit prematurely. Some cobwebs beginning to show.
