The Board of Trustees of Pettes Memorial Library announces the launch of a major fundraising campaign of $1.5 million to finance an expansion project that will make the first and oldest public library in rural Quebec an institution firmly anchored in the 21st century, with ultra-modern facilities and cutting-edge technological equipment. This fundraising campaign will target the region's business community and the citizens of Town of Brome Lake and the surrounding area.

The total cost of the project is $5.2 million: $3.2 million to build the addition and $2 million to increase the institution's operating fund. A request for a grant of $1.3 million has been made to the ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec.

The expansion project has already received support from Town of Brome Lake in the form of a $1 million grant. Mr. Richard Burcombe, Mayor of Brome Lake, is delighted with this project which will contribute to the revitalization of an important part of downtown Knowlton: “This project is fully in keeping with the set of measures we have taken over the past few years. Brick by brick, we continue to build this magnificent public square project that we have, and the expansion of the Library is an important component of it.”

The trustees of the Library selected the firm Chevalier Morales Architectes to conduct preliminary studies. Based on its extensive experience in library design and planning, the firm proposes an extension to the rear of the building as well as work that will bring the existing structure up to current environmental and universal accessibility standards. According to Stephan Chevalier, Associate-Principal Architect, "The project will be part of a respectful vision of the existing building, inspired by its heritage characteristics, and will retain the spirit of the existing place. The expansion will improve the service offering to citizens and will also allow Pettes Library to align itself with best practices in the development of contemporary libraries."

The chairman of this important fundraising campaign is Mr. Leslie K. Jonas, businessman and treasurer of the Board of Trustees of Pettes Memorial Library. M. Jonas has made a significant donation for the Pettes expansion project. “I have been a resident of Brome Lake for over 40 years and I am very proud to support this project, which will have a major impact on the local and regional community. Not only will it offer greater access and an improved offering of services related to learning and the acquisition of literary and technological knowledge, it will bequeath a heritage building with modern facilities and equipment to future generations.” 

Desjardins, through its GoodSpark Fund, which invests in structural projects across Quebec, has contributed $250,000 to the project. Ms. Manon Bessette, Chair of the Board of Directors of Caisse Desjardins de Waterloo, said, "Desjardins is proud to contribute to the realization of this mobilizing project not only for the Knowlton community, but for an entire region! The new, more modern and efficient spaces will offer a variety of services adapted to the needs of the historical, cultural and bilingual reality of the Eastern Townships! "

Private patrons have already generously contributed to the planned expansion. Ms. Louise Penny, internationally recognized author and resident of Brome Lake said: ‘’The Library will be a meeting place, a safe place, a lively home for stories and ideas, where thoughts and plans are explored and exchanged. A  library in the 21st century is filled with energy and light. The new Pettes, with this extension, reaches out to the entire community. All generations. It offers freedom and power, peace and adventure. I have benefitted hugely from libraries. Had there not been one in my community I doubt I would be a writer today. Congratulations to all those who have worked so hard to make it happen, including members of the community who have made significant donations, no matter the amount. This includes Claire Léger and Leslie Jonas, who have never failed to support Lac Brome. This is indeed a community effort!’’

A fundraising committee comprising well-known philanthropic personalities in the region was formed and will now begin its work of soliciting potential donors. The members of the committee are: Jane Livingston, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Pettes Library, Johanne Coiteux, Debbi Eaman, Louise Gélinas, Lois Hardacker, Nancy Page, Leah Curley and Suzanne Brochu, respectively secretary and member of the Board of Trustees. 

Ms. Livingston explains: “The goal of $1.5 million is ambitious but achievable. This is an ad hoc campaign, responding to an urgent need and limited in time, not something we plan to repeat. It’s a big effort, but we expect an equal response. This community has always supported the Library and will continue to support it at this pivotal moment in its history.”

It should be noted that Pettes Memorial Library is a non-profit organization (NPO) independent of any institution or government. It has been funded since its inception by grants and donations from the community and, in recent years, by the proceeds from its annual used book sale.

Source and information:       

450 243-6128

pettesxpansion@gmail.com

www.pettes.ca

www.facebook.com/petteslibrary