The board of trustees of Pettes Memorial Library is launching a major fundraising campaign to raise $1.5 million to finance the future expansion of the library. The total cost of the expansion project is $5.2 million with $3.2 million needed to build an addition on the back side of the building, leading into Coldbrook Park, and another $2 million needed for the institution's operating budget. The goal with the new addition is to bring Pettes Memorial Library, the first and oldest rural institution in Quebec, up to date with modern facilities and technological equipment to support the needs of future generations and the activities of important community organizations. 

"We suffer from a lack of space and we are frequently approached by community groups who have great ideas to launch programs, but we have to say 'that's great, but sorry we don't have the space," explained Jane Livingston, chairwoman of the board of trustees, at last Thursday's press conference. 

With the fundraising campaign underway the trustees hope that they will be able to raise the necessary funds to get the expansion project started. The expansion has already received support from the Town of Brome Lake with a financial sum of $1 million, from Desjardins, through its GoodSpark Fund, who has contributed $250,000, and by various private donors and organizations who have helped raise $1.4 million. They have also sent in a request to the Ministry of Culture and Communications for a grant of$1.3 million. 

"There will be 332 square meteres added to the back of the building. It will open up on the back of the park. It will blend in with the Victorian building and flow into Coldbrook," said Livingston. 

Livingston added that libraries evolve with society, and they are becoming digital hubs and social venues. "Pettes Memorial wants to become such an institution." 

The trustees have hired Chevalier Morales Architectes to bring their vision to life. "We have been designing libraries for many years, but this one is special," emphasized Stephan Chevalier, associate princiapal architect.

At the press conference, Chevalier explained that the project is about two things. "The beautiful existing building, we want to respect it. We want to renovate and take care of that building. We are also adding a new component; adding something that the existing building doesn't have. We want to respect and compliment was it there." 

The new addition to the back of Pettes Memorial will be an open space enclosed entirely by glass overlooking Coldbrook Park. "There will be a new entrance coming from Coldbrook Park. People will come into an open public space," said Chevalier. 

In this new space, there will be a media lab, public washrooms, study and workspaces, and a children's library and it will connect to the bottom floor of the library. 

Chairman of the fundraising campaign and treasurer of the board of trustees, Leslie Jones, said that the support for the project so far has been overwhelming. "We've already raised $1.4 million from individuals and individual organizations and that's an amazing amount for a silent campaign." 

One of the greatest contributors to the project is renowned author Louise Penny who said she didn't have to think twice about supporting the project. 

As someone who has travelled the world and visited many libraries, Penny said that the trustee's progressive vision for the library is what got her on board. "I loved the design, the idea of it being bright and welcoming. It's different from the old style. Libraries that are trapped in an old paradigm, you can tell they are dying." 

Growing up in libraries, Penny said that they often felt unwelcoming and stuffy, but that Pettes Memorial is moving in a different direction. "They can look forward and be there for future generations. You want young people to feel involved and to not feel like they are in a place where they need to be quiet." 

At a time when many libraries are closing, Pettes Memorial is doing what it can to continue to remain a pillar in the community. "It will contribute to literacy, storytelling, it will be a community gathering spot, that's more than a library. It's discouraging to see libraries close. They failed to evolve and grow, which is why audacity, this audacious project, will move the library, and the entire community, into the 21st century." 

The fundraising committee is made up of Livingston, Johanne Coiteux, Debbi Eaman, Louise Gelinas, Lois Hardacker, Nancy Page, Leah Curley, and Suzanne Brochu and they are now looking for potential donors.