This week our blog post was written by Barbara Lipp, manager of our Berwick branch.
The conversation started:
Once a month the Berwick & District Library hosts an event called Coffee & Conversation. To start the “conversation” an individual or organization from the community is invited. In October 2015 the requested topic was “guaranteed income”. Greg Hubbert of Berwick was invited to share his insights on this topic. He has much passion and interest in this subject as a retired teacher, an NDP candidate, and co-organizer of “Feed My Lambs” campaign. There was a lively discussion and the group said more needs to be done.
More conversations:
The conversation was continued on January 12, 2017 at the Kentville Fire Hall. This event was organized by a small group in a living room. “Let them Eat Cake” was an evening of cake and conversations about income inequality, poverty, and the precarious nature of work. The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Boa
rd set the scene with his experiences growing up in rural Nova Scotia and the direction the government is taking. It continued with thoughts and reflections by a number of citizens from the full spectrum of our community.
Over 200 people attended this event. Cake was provided by attendees and shared. Funds raised at this event have been given to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library to provide programming for local communities this summer.
The conversations continue
To learn more about “Let them Eat Cake” please visit their website, https://www.eatcake-ns.org/. On the website is the group’s reasoning for coming together, stories shared by attendees on January 12th, as well as articles and suggested readings. The Annapolis Valley Regional Library has put together a book list for you to explore.
Summer Meals:
One result from this conversation is using the funds raised at the above mentioned event to provide Summer Meals at each of our local libraries. The list of events can be found on this page. Some of our branches have partnered with other community organizations and will be offering farm-fresh produce later in the summer. This seemingly small conversation has the opportunity to make a big impact!
