City of Oshawa 2014 Budget: Support Oshawa Public Libraries!

Calling all library supporters! We need your help. Oshawa Public Libraries' budget will be presented on Friday, January 31st the day is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM but can go long. We would like to invite any supporters to come out and listen to the budget talks - but first, we need your action!

Please visit this online form and let them know how important Oshawa Public Library services are to you. If you don't know what to write, here's something you can copy and paste:

I am writing in support of  the Oshawa Public Libraries budget. The library offers services that are in align with the core values of Oshawa. The library budget needs to be supported by council for the families, marginalized members, and everyone in the great city of Oshawa.  Cuts to library funding are cuts to everyone in the community. Few would dispute the relevance of libraries to the quality of life in our city, but not many people realize the scope of service provided by Oshawa Public Libraries. In addition to circulating hundreds of thousands of books, DVDs, CDs, and other materials, our libraries present thousands of programs for everyone from kids to seniors, provide free Internet access to residents who do not have it in their home, deliver materials to those who cannot leave their homes, and answer thousands and thousands of questions about everything from homework assignments to how to find a job. Please support funding for Oshawa Public Libraries. 


Budget schedule

• November 25, 2013: Approval of 2014 Time Sensitive Capital Projects (read the Report)
• December 5, 2013: Finance Committee review of 2014 Anchor Grant and Partnership Grant Requests (read the Finance Committee Report and the Committee Meeting Minutes for Committee’s recommendation)
• January 29, 2014: City Council Special Meeting - Budget Overview presented to Council 
• January 31, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.: City Council Special Meeting - Grants, External Agencies and Advisory Committees
• February 7, 2014 at 9:30 a.m.: City Council Special  Meeting -  Operating Budgets
• February 10, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.: City Council Special  Meeting - To Receive Comments from the Public
• February 11, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.: City Council Special Meeting -  Capital Budget and 9 Year Forecast
• February 2014: Open House Meetings and Facebook Town Hall Event (details to be announced shortly)
• February 14, 2014: City Council Special Meeting - Budget Review and Approval

Share your suggestionsThe City has introduced new ways to inform and solicit feedback on the 2014 City Budget process, including online options for the public to submit comments and share their thoughts (read the Report). The online engagement tools aim to enhance public engagement, increase participation and offer online options for gathering valuable input for the preparation of the proposed 2014 City Budget.

We invite feedback and questions about the budget process and 2014 City Budget:

• Online Feedback Form – complete our online form to submit your feedback and questions about the budget process and 2014 City Budget.
• 2014 City Budget public meetings and Facebook Town Hall – more details will be announced shortly; we hope you can attend.
• Stay informed – updates on the budget process and 2014 City Budget, including further details about upcoming public meetings and a Facebook Town Hall, will also be posted to the City website homepage and Twitter and Facebookaccounts. Or, contact Finance Services by phone at 905-436-3311 (TTY customers only: 905-436-562) or by email at budgets@oshawa.ca.