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The Citizen, 1994-09-28, Page 1Community || Education |News Village of Blyth celebrates its new look Local students receive recognition at CHSS commencement Complete results of winners from the 133rd Brussels Fall Fair See page 3 See page 8 See page 8 CitizenTheNorthHuron Morris agrees to close library Vol. 10 No.38 Wednesday, September 28, 1994 600 GST inc|uded Taking a break Jessica Thalen, with Denise and Kayla (in wagon), took a little break from all the activities at Brussels Fall Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 21, just to sit and enjoy the glorious day. Though the excellent weather may have resulted in a drop in attendance, as farmers were busy on the land, it was a real bonus for the ones who did have the opportunity to take in the fair. Organizers noted a small increase in the number of exhibits at this year's event. Sun shines on Brussels fair Organizers are haling the 133rd Brussels Fall Fair, held Tuesday, Sept. 20 and Wednesday, Sept. 21, a success. Agricultural Society Secretary Melody While says though atten­ dance was down a little bit due to the good weather, which kept farm­ ers home on the fields, there was still a constant crowd al the mid­ way and viewing the exhibits. There were 27 new exhibitors this year, which Mrs. While said was "very good". While some of the exhibits were dow n, she said that overall there were more exhibitors this year than in previous ones due in part to the excellent growing season. There were less entries in the parade, but some last minute class­ es were added, she said, to accom- modalc the numerous children who wanted to ride dirt bikes and three- wheelers along the route. Tuesday night's show uas also very well received, Mrs. White said. The 4-H shows were a disap­ pointment this year with the dairy and horse shows going to Clinton. There were seven 4-H beef exhibitors, w ith Amy Mugford hav­ ing Reserve Champion and Grand Champion and Cory Rinloul taking home the award for Grand Champi­ on Showman. Locals do well at match Several Huron Couniy residents gave an impressive showing at the . International Plowing Match and Machine Show held in Renfrew Couniy at Pembroke, Sept. 20-24. The Huron County Queen of the Furrow Sharon Kelly of RR4, Seaforth competed against 27 oth­ ers and won Miss Friendship. Brian McGavin of RR4, Walton, By Bonnie Gropp After a disappointing show of public interest Morris Twp. council voted ambivalently at its Sept. 22 meeting to close the Belgrave Library. Morris council had been receiv­ ing pressure from the county to close the Class 3 library due to low circulation. To keep a Class 3 branch open the county's Library Committee would like it to have a circulation of 4,000. Belgrave's cir­ culation up to August is 108. In previous meetings the resi­ dents had rallied to oppose the clos­ ing and council had supported them agreeing it would remain open for two hours per week. At Thursday's public meeting only two area residents were pre­ sent. County Librarian Beth Ross said that the principal reason for closing the smaller branches due to the economic times. "People are asking for efficiency, in spending and service," she said. "For that reason we are looking for places where they will get value for their money." Ten Class 3 libraries have been closed, some with a higher circula­ tion than Belgrave, Ms Ross said. "They have however suffered the same demographics as the others; people have taken their business elsewhere". Dorothy Coultes, a member of the Women's Institute (the library is housed in the WI Hall) asked coun­ cil of the possibility of the library being run on a volunteer basis. Norman Hayes, a Belgrave resi­ dent and former administrator of Wingham Hospital said that with transporation services such as Wheels Away, a fairly large num­ ber of people are finding their way to larger centres. "Looking at the circulation, Belgrave is a book­ lending service, much like what a hospital has. I'm wondering if it's not possible for Belgrave people to run a lending service where books are donated instead of trying to draw down from the total library service?" he asked. "That brings us full circle," said Mrs. Coultes. "That's hov' the Bel­ grave library started in the first place." "That way," Mr. Hayes added," if a change happens in the future, if circulation should pick up or money should start to flow, that nucleus is still in place." Reeve Doug Fraser said he was concerned about the people who can't get to Bly th or Brussels. "For them a visit to the library is like a day out." Paul Dodds of RR4, Seaforth and Paul Pcntland of Goderich finished in the lop half of 13 contestants in the Class 2, Group 3 plowing match. Charlene Townsend, com­ peting in the Class 2, Group 1 event won the Ontario Plowmen's Scholarship. This award of $2,500 is to be used at one of the province's colleges of agriculture Another advantage of the volun­ teer system, Mrs. Coultes noted is that the library could be open when the building is. "When seniors have card games it's kind of a shame it's not open then." Ms Ross said that a volunteer board could not access the Huron County Library. The training the staff must have to deal with such things as the inter-library loan sys­ tem, and the provincial codes and legislation which need to be addressed would make this situa­ tion next to impossible. Legislation has already had an impact on the library, Mrs. Coultes said, noting that a fire escape route had to be planned for the building. "Yet, there are never more than two people in the library at a time. It is absolutely absurd," she said. Mr. Hayes said, "I agree with the frustration of the rules snowing us from above, but they do exist. If we try to circumvent them we can find ourselves knee deep in a lot of problems." He continued, "I'm not sure I want to be in front of the Human Rights Commission because some­ one didn't like a book I put on the shelf." Councillor John Duskocy com­ mented on the enthusiasm he had seen from Belgrave residents at earlier meetings to save their library. "I don't know if it's a statement, but there are only two of us here now," said Mr. Hayes. Councillor Bert Elliott agreed. "It is my opinion, looking around tonight, that not too many people care about it. I don't think they can say too much now if council decides to close it." After the public meeting closed council again expressed their regrets at what seemed the only obvious course. "The county keeps asking us to close it. It's going to come so we might as well get it over with," said Councillor Keith Johnston. Deputy-Reeve Clem McLellan agreed," They're not going to leave us alone until we do it." "If there had been even 10 peo­ ple here tonight we could have tried to support them," said Councillor Johnston, "but if they're not inter­ ested we have no reason." The motion made by Councillor Johnston stated the library would be closed due to the poor atten­ dance at the meeting and the low circulation of books at the branch. It will take a few months before the recommendation is implement­ ed by the Library Board. and technology. Huron County Warden Allan Gibson of Ashfield Twp. won the Warden's Class. Marie McGavin, who attended with her husband Neil, a director of the Huron Couniy Plowmen's Association and an executive mem­ ber of the Ontario Plowmen's Asso- Continued on page 13