As I was checking out library books, I noticed a framed article right by the exit, next to the security gates. I gathered my books and decided to take a closer look. The article was titled “Aurora Public Library” and was written by Stephen Somerville, a columnist for The Auroran in his “Front Porch Perspective” column.

If I were to read the article right then, I’d likely have to take the frame down and head out for the treat. When Matthew sees a treat, it’s like he has more than ants in his pants! It was easier for me to make a note of the article’s publication date—January 27th, 2009 in The Auroran—and read it later.

I reached for the brochure and the pencil and wrote it down. Today, I finally read it and this is the most inspirational letter I have ever read. Kudos to Stephen Somerville for sharing and Reccia Mandelcorn for writing it. Read the column here: THE AURORAN, Week of January 27, 2009 – 5 (filetype: PDF)

“Libraries are about families, about generations and shared histories, about experiences, about imagination, about the world and about appreciating other cultures. Libraries are the equalizers of the economic and digital divides, between the “haves” and the “have-nots.””, THE AURORAN, Week of January 27, 2009 – pg 5.

What I also read was the brochure I made my notes in. The brochure was about VISITING LIBRARY SERVICE – your library serving your community. I was very happy to know that we have such a wonderful service for those who are not able to visit the library, so the library will visit them.

“A Visiting Library Service volunteer will bring library materials to members who cannot visit the Library due to disability, illness or frailty and have no alternative means of obtaining library materials.”

Some things are just beyond what I have expected to see in our town. But, there are always “buts.”

So what’s underneath?

This brochure reminded me to check out St. Andrew’s Plaza. A Foodland store once operated there, but it closed last October, leaving local residents—especially seniors just across the street—with no nearby grocery store.

In the past couple of weeks, I haven’t seen any activity at the store when I’ve stopped by to take pictures. If a new grocery store were coming, we’d probably hear about it everywhere. But since there’s been no word, it feels like a big secret for now.

When the store closed, we learned that Frank Klees arranged free transportation for the seniors at Orchard Heights Place to the nearest grocery store. They were dropped off at Sobeys, thanks to its association with Foodland. Did you know the school bus picks up and drops off the seniors? Not the most comfortable ride, I’d say.

It’s a nice temporary fix, but how long it will last is anyone’s guess. I’m sure the YRT strike for a few months didn’t help matters either.

In the long term, this isn’t a true solution.

Some things here in Aurora are left unresolved, and not being able to bring a grocery store back to replace Foodland is one of them. And yes, that crossing sign on Orchard Heights Boulevard once had a purpose too.

COMMENTS

Marvin said: March 19, 2012 at 22:16

“Brrr, too much snow!”

Anna Lozyk Romeo said: March 21, 2012 at 19:13

“I know, but now we have summer like spring. There will be no surprise if snows falls again.”