New library donation explained by the builder in 2014

When John McFarlane, president of Western Camera Buildings (camera means small room in latin) saw a program about the Write to Read Project profiled on CBC TV, he realized that his company might be in a position to help. Western Camera makes tiny portable units that can be used for a variety of purposes, like an office, studio, home or a library. His show unit was sitting in storage, so he decided to donate it to our literacy initiative. The unit has a value of $25,000, which is a most generous gift indeed.

A tour of the tiny building (8 by 12 feet) shows that it is portable, easy to transport, easy to install on a pad or concrete block, and comes fully wired for easy Internet connection. Solar power can also be added at an additional cost for those remote aboriginal communities that are dependent on diesel fuel for electricity.

The very high ceilings and multiple windows give the impression of roominess and lots of light. There is space for the installation of two computers at one end of the room. Bookshelves line both walls. Children will no doubt perceive it as something of a “hobbit house,” with room enough for perhaps half a dozen kids to read at the same time. There is sufficient shelving for thousands of books. In a word, the design is perfect for Write to Read.

The total cost of a library like this, including solar power and computers and books and Internet connection, delivered and installed to any destination in British Columbia, would be $50,000. Companies, groups and individuals interested in supporting the Write to Read Project and donating to the cost of a library are encouraged to contact project coordinator Bob Blacker at bobblackerri@gmail.com.

The Write to Read Project is administered by the Government House Foundation in Victoria. All donations are eligible for a tax receipt according to Canada Revenue Agency regulations. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.bcgovhousefoundation.ca. Alternatively, you can call the Foundation office at 250-356-1829.