Lachute reduces library fees for Argenteuil residents

Residents of Argenteuil will be a little richer this spring, thanks to a motion by the city of Lachute to dramatically reduce library fees at the Jean-Marc-Belzile library on Rue Principale.

The library is completely free to all Lachute residents and is now significantly cheaper for the residents of surrounding villages.

Citizens in Wentworth are also entitled to use the library free of charge, due to an agreement reached between the two municipalities. Wentworth residents formerly paid $6 per person, per year to use the Lachute library, but Wentworth chose to modify the contract so that effective March 1, library fees will be waived for its residents.

The remaining seven villages of Argenteuil, including Brownsburg-Chatham, Mille-Isles, Gore, Saint-André-d'Argenteuil, Harrington, Grenville and Grenville-sur-la-Rouge, will see their library fees reduced from as much as $150 per year, per person, to $50. All changes became effective March 1.

"It's going to be good for the people of Harrington to be able to go there and hook up their computers and research subjects, especially for the students," said Harrington mayor Keith Robson.

The Lachute library has a wide selection of books in both French and in English and also offers visitors the chance to surf on a free wireless Internet connection, to work on desktop computers, and to print and photocopy items for a small fee.

"It is with great pride that we strive to constantly improve our cultural services for the benefit of the entire community of Argenteuil," said Lachute Mayor Daniel Mayer. "Persistence in learning is a priority for us and we are constantly seeking ways to engage youth. Reading is a good way to stir their interest and keep education a priority."

This summer the Lachute library will be breaking ground on a $2.5 million expansion of the library that will triple the 434 square metre surface of the building, to 1,250 square meters. The expansion will allow the library to purchase nearly 10,000 new books, enlarge the selection of audio books and expand services to include conference and reading rooms where the community can gather for small events like book signings and cultural events.

The Quebec Ministry of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women will provide a maximum contribution of $1.29 million towards the library expansion. The government grant is part of the Quebec Infrastructures Plan, made public in 2007.