February 29, 2008

The Honourable James K. Bartleman endorses PALS

The Honourable James K. Bartleman, former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, visited the Education Centre for a special event acknowledging the success of the unique Public and Academic Libraries Sharing (PALS) pilot project.

PALS, which has opened the doors to a world of information and resources for communities surrounding North Bay, was launched in September 2007 by Nipissing University and Canadore College, in conjunction with public libraries in the Blue Sky Region.

With a PALS card, members of the participating Blue Sky Region’s public libraries are able to access resources and services within the Education Centre library, while college and university students, faculty and staff are granted access to public library holdings.

Mr. Bartleman was presented with an Honourary Patron Certificate at the event. He explained the importance of programs like PALS to expand access to information and literacy.

"The Port Carling Public Library made a big difference to me growing up in a small community," said Mr. Bartleman. "Likewise, the PALS project will create a virtual super library that will greatly benefit North Bay and the surrounding communities. Access to literacy is crucial and I am pleased to support the launch of the PALS resource sharing initiative."

Other guest speakers at the event included the Honourable Monique Smith, Nipissing MPP, His Worship Victor Fedeli, Mayor of the City of North Bay, Barbara Taylor, President of Canadore College, Dr. Dennis Mock, President of Nipissing University, and community partner representatives.

"The PALS partnership has opened up a whole new world of resources for patrons of the Powassan and District Library and for patrons of all the community libraries partnered in this initiative. Library card holders now have the opportunity to browse the shelves of the Education Centre Library’s immense collection of information and checkout current academic books for their special projects and studies," said Helen McDonnell, CEO of Powassan and District Union Public Library and
Chair of the Blue Sky Region Community Network.

Participating libraries include:
• Bonfield Public Library
• Callander Public Library
• East Ferris Public Library
• Education Centre Library (Nipissing University/Canadore College)
• Mattawa Public Library
• Nipissing First Nations Public Library
• North Bay Public Library
• Powassan & District Union Public Library
• Temagami Public Library
• West Nipissing Public Library