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Literacy and Legacy

by Hazel Flewwelling

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For a period of 42 months we averaged $57,000 per month. Who were we? The "we" consisted of the Literacy and Legacy Campaign Committee, a group of high-profile community leaders who were advocates for the project. The members of the campaign committee were Marvin Bishop, Sigmund Brouwer, Frances Craigie, G. Harold Dawe, Mr. Justice James L. Foster, Terry Green, Ray Heard, Doris Jewell, Dr. Sadie Lampard, Harry Linskog, Kathryn Marriott, and Dr. Mattie McCullough. They provided inspiration and wise counsel for our corps of more than 200 volunteers. They reminded us that all contributions, large and small, were important to the success of the campaign.

Literacy and Legacy was thoroughly supported in the community, and the project was an integral part of planning initiatives adopted by City Council. The City of Red Deer contribution of $1.25 million to the project was pivotal. Through the Community Facility Enhancement Program and the Community Cultural and Recreational Grant Program, the Provincial Government contributed $350,000. The Government of Canada, Canadian Heritage provided $100,000. Once these commitments were secured, we received overwhelming support from local service clubs which generated $450,000, and foundation support of another $200,000. With the assistance of the local media we were able to generate the final $150,000 through a persistent public appeal. With more than 1,800 items being circulated daily, we were able to keep information before the public.

On  May 9, 1994 we turned sod for the construction. A year and a day later the library link was opened to serve the public. Remarkably, the library remained open throughout the construction. The use of the Children's Department has increased 35 percent. Sir Francis Bacon was right: "Knowledge is power."

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From: Aspenland 1998 — Local Knowledge and Sense of Place
Edited by: David J. Goa and David Ridley
Published by: The Central Alberta Regional Museums Network (CARMN) with the assistance of the Provincial Museum of Alberta and the Red Deer and District Museum.