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Orangeville, Mono to discuss reformed library card system

June 16, 2016   ·   0 Comments

For many years now, residents in the Town of Mono who want to use the Orangeville Public Library system have had to pay a $145 non-resident fee to the Town of Orangeville and then seek reimbursement from Mono.

Under the existing arrangement, a copy of the cheque issued to Orangeville and proof of residency would guarantee payment by Mono within 10 days.

This has been a source of consternation for many over the years, particularly since Mono residents have long had free access to the Shelburne library.

In the recent past, the Town of Mono and the Orangeville library board have tried arrive at less intrusive solutions to this payment issue. Unfortunately, there has never been a solid resolution to this inconvenient problem.

That is, until recently, when the Orangeville Library Board put forth a new proposal.

Darla Fraser, Chief Librarian for the Town of Orangeville, says a letter was sent to each of the three neighboring municipalities in Dufferin (Mono, Amaranth and East Garafraxa) by Library Board Chair Scott Wilson on behalf of the board, asking them to consider a new method of payment for their residents who seek membership with the Orangeville Public Library.

The Orangeville Library board is suggesting that the library could invoice the municipalities directly, therefore eliminating the extra steps in the current system and removing residents’ obligation to pay fees themselves.

The letter to the Town of Mono appeared on their council agenda on June 7.

Mono Mayor Laura Ryan shared positive news regarding a potential outcome. “At our last Council, meeting we discussed the letter from Library Board Chair – Scott Wilson. Council directed staff to further investigate the proposed changes with the staff at the Library and report back with the details of the possible changes.”

Since that time Mono CAO Mark Early has contacted Chief Librarian Fraser to schedule a meeting to discuss alternatives and possibilities.

Ms. Fraser issued this statement: “We are  very optimistic that we can create a new, mutually acceptable system.”

Board Chair Wilson is also optimistic that current process could be implemented, not just in Mono but other surrounding municipalities as well. “I hope we can make the same arrangements with East Gary and Amaranth.”

Written by Todd Taylor

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