Over 1,000 school kids from across Gatineau mobilize to improve local libraries

Sophie Demers

Outaouais public libraries were ranked last in the province in the Biblioqualité 2022 portrait. The report highlights shortcomings in services, quantity of books, and human resources. The Biblioqualité program recognizes the investments made by municipalities in their public libraries. In 2022, a provincial portrait evaluating public libraries was compiled and covers 89% of the Quebec population.

Over the past weeks, 1,000 schoolchildren in Gatineau have written letters to elected municipal officials asking for improved services. The initiative, which they called My Dream Library, was started by a group of teachers.

The demands are timely, as Gatineau is working on their new cultural policy. The children want to make sure improving libraries is on their list of priorities.

Five students and three schoolteachers addressed elected officials on the subject during the May 9 municipal council meeting.

Victor Junghurt, from l’école internationale du Village in Aylmer, asked for more books, better seating areas to read in the library, and bigger windows for natural light. Another student highlighted the importance of reading for kids to relax, dream, and improve their imagination. These students spoke about their love of reading, and their local dream library. They also asked for improved reading areas, more resources for writers, and to consider a library bus that could make books more accessible.

“I have taken note of your suggestions. As president of the commission des arts, de la culture, des lettres et du patrimoine, we are thinking about the future of our libraries, and we are able to submit suggestions to city council,” said Isabelle Miron, in response to the comments made at the council meeting. “I am glad you came tonight so the entire council can hear you.” She also highlighted that the Lucy-Faris library would meet these needs.

Joël Paquette, teacher at l’école internationale du Village, said that the current situation with libraries is deplorable and unacceptable. He said they understand that it is not the current council’s or library's fault; however, public libraries need more investment. Paquette and Canadian author Andrée Poulin created the My Dream Library initiative after the Biblioqualité results were released.

“Teaching kids to read is my job but we need resources to support this work. The library is a significant infrastructure for kids’ learning and for the community as a whole,” said Paquette.

When asked about how the children reacted to the initiative, Paquette said, “The kids were excited to participate in an initiative that would have a real impact.” The teacher also highlighted that there are only 11 libraries in Gatineau and that, for a population this size, it is not nearly enough. Miron echoed this statement during the council meeting, adding that libraries are the most used city service in Gatineau.

Photo Caption: Joël Paquette, l’école internationale du Village fifth grade teacher, and one of the founders of the My Dream Library initiative, addressing the Municipal council on May 9.

Photo Credit: Screenshot from the City of Gatineau website