Library fears mail rate hike
In January a World Trade Organization ruling takes effect that would block Ottawa directly subsidizing postal rates for libraries. Canada Post would likely start charging libraries the full parcel rate – 13 times what it currently charges them to send materials to in the mail.
That would be a big hit for the Vancouver Island Regional Library system, which depends on the mail to reach customers in remote communities.
“The library book rate is pretty key in delivery of library services to coastal, rural and remote parts of B.C.,” said Peter Wainwright, chairman of the library board.
Brandon-Souris MP Merv Tweed, a Conservative, introduced a private members bill in June that would require Canada Post to continue the rate for books. Bill C458 would also expand it to include CDs and DVDs.
Not surprisingly, VIRL is backing the bill.
Board members hope users – and taxpayers – sign a petition available at library branches, and online at the virl.bc.ca website. They’re also soliciting support from member municipalities.
About 50 per cent of the population use libraries – much higher than other leisure facilities like swimming pools and recreation centres. But even non-users would be affected by higher costs, which mean higher taxes.
The library system, which serves the B.C. coast from Victoria to Queen Charlotte Islands, got unanimous support from Nanaimo city council and the Regional District of Nanaimo.
“It goes to the idea of literacy,” said Coun. Bill Holdom, Nanaimo library board representative.
“There is considerable value to reading and as a society we support that through the library system.”
George Holme, RDN representative, takes a more pragmatic approach.
The federal government created the library book rate by an act of parliament in 1939, but in 1997 the World Trade Organization ruled Canada Post must bear the full cost of the subsidy. Canada Post won’t guarantee support for the rate beyond January 2008.
