Editor:
Re: Paton questions amount spent on public libraries, Jan. 23
After receiving feedback over the last week-and-a-half, I feel compelled to set the record straight on my position with regards to our Delta libraries.
Many people read an article regarding funding our libraries and assumed I do not support our libraries in Delta. Nothing could be further from the truth.
While I admit that I did not articulate my words very well in the previous Delta council meeting, my intentions were certainly not to question our "need for libraries" and I apologize to those of you who use our libraries and may have been offended by my thought process.
My motive for questioning was not because I don't see a need for libraries in Delta, it is because this year we were asked for a 2.65 per cent increase in funds from Fraser Valley Regional Library over last year ($82,000) to run our three libraries for a total of $3.2 million per year.
I think as a councillor it is my duty to ask questions and ensure that Deltans are getting the best use of the funds that we forward to Fraser Valley Regional Library for their allocated purpose.
Although I haven't used libraries much since my university days, I appreciate the feedback that I have received and I am happy to hear that our public libraries in Delta are being well used.
Ian L. Paton Delta Council
