Mr. Speaker, I recently had the opportunity to tour the largest library in my riding, which was built back in 1960.
The James McConnell Memorial Library is the feeder library to 11 other outlets and 2 book mobiles. Over 500 people visit the Sydney library every day. My first visit to a library was when the bookmobile came to our community of Millville.
It is a great service for all ages in rural areas. Some people say that libraries are passé, but the need for these facilities has only grown over the years. The service we receive from our libraries is invaluable. Many people use the library as a place to study, research assignments and meet for group projects. Whether it is preschool children or those needing public access to computers, libraries are important.
Our library in Sydney is indeed ready for a new chapter; the other libraries in Cape Breton cannot survive without it. The community and other levels of government are stepping up to the plate and I encourage the federal government to also come forward.
I would like to remind all members of the House to visit their local libraries and see the great things that happen there.