One week before voters across Ontario go to the polls to elect mayors, municipal councillors and school board trustees, library workers in Oshawa took time today to urge people to love their libraries, and the people who breathe life into them.

“I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate Public Libraries Week in Ontario than here in Oshawa, where people have been using libraries for more than 150 years,” said CUPEOntario Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick, who joined with members of Local 960 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 960) in front of the Oshawa Public Library’s Bagot Street branch.

“Libraries are vital to healthy, functioning communities. Indeed, good libraries are indicators of a community’s well-being,” she added.

The celebration and information session outside the Bagot Street branch coincided with National Public Library Month and Ontario Public Library Week. The event was organized by CUPE 960 and CUPE Ontario’s Library Workers’ Committee.

Workers handed out postcards and bookmarks containing information about the history of public libraries in Ontario, as well as bags of candy to children who attended.

“People love their libraries, and people who love libraries love to vote,” said Tiffany Balducci, president of CUPE 960.

“That’s why we feel that public services, like libraries, ought to be at the top of peoples’ minds when they go to cast their ballots on Monday in the Municipal Election,” she added.

CUPE 960 represents 80 workers at the Oshawa Public Library.

Oct 21, 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

Oshawa Library Workers to Mark Library Week with Celebration Outside McLaughlin Branch Tomorrow Afternoon

Oshawa, ON—As people across the country observe Public Library Month, the members of Local 960 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 960) are inviting the public to a celebration and information session tomorrow, October 22 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Oshawa Public Library’s McLaughlin Branch.

Library staff will be handing out postcards, bookmarks and candy bags to commemorate not only library month, but also the 150th anniversary of the Oshawa Public Library.

The event also coincides with Public Library Week in Ontario, which takes place from Oct. 19 to Oct. 25.

The Library workers will be joined by CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick, as well as a number of Oshawa City Councillors and Durham Regional Councillors.

Media wishing to interview Candace Rennick or CUPE 960 President Tiffany Balducci should contact Kevin Wilson, CUPE Communications, at 416-821-6641.

WHAT: Celebration of Ontario Public Library Week and the 150th anniversary of the Oshawa Public Library

WHEN: Wednesday, October 22, from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Oshawa Public Library, McLaughlin Branch, 65 Bagot Street

WHO: Members of CUPE 960, CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick, Oshawa City and Durham Regional Councillors

WHY: To highlight the immense community benefits of Public Libraries, while celebrating Ontario Public Library Week and the 150th anniversary of the Oshawa Public Library

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For more information, please contact Kevin Wilson, CUPE Communications, 416-821-6641

February seemed so long ago, yet we must remember the budget discussions surrounding the library.  The CUPE Ontario endorsements are out and there was no endorsement for mayor. When going to the polls, remember Mayoral Candidate John Gray's suggestion to close a library, contract out garbage, and close recreation.