(File Photo/paNOW staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Vaccine Policy

P.A. residents want public library exempt from vaccine policy

Jan 11, 2022 | 9:00 AM

-A previous version of this story stated one of the individuals looking to get the policy lifted didn’t 100 per cent clarify they were a part of the homeschool community. We apologize for the error.

Several Prince Albert residents want to see the vaccine policy lifted at the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library.

City council met on Monday for an executive committee meeting where they discussed concerns some in the community have with the need to prove they’re vaccinated to enter the library.

These issues were addressed in eight separate emails, dating back to mid-November. Each mentioned the library should remain open to everyone even if they’re not vaccinated.

Nearly all mentioned they were currently home-schooling their children and resources from the library are needed to ensure they continue their education.

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This includes Lori Fletcher who explained in her email, which was made public by the city of P.A., that she’s used books and videos for years to help educate her children.

“Some of the members of the homeschool community have received the COVID injections, and some cannot for medical, conscientious, or religious reasons,” she said. “However, access to the library is a fundamental right for us all, regardless of medical status.”

In an email sent by Michele Jalbert, she noted those who choose to homeschool shouldn’t be punished by the policy.

“Everyone should have full access to the library materials regardless of a medical status.”

Meanwhile, Prince Albert’s Mayor isn’t budging on the topic.

Greg Dionne told paNOW the idea that the library is just rejecting these people isn’t true.

“If they need a book, all they have to do is drive up and we’ll give them the book. It isn’t that they’re totally cut off.”

At least one of the emails claimed the pickup option is flawed, noting they’ve received the wrong items at times.

Council did approve referring the matter to the community’s Public Library Board which will get the final say in the matter. After the mandate was approved by council, the board agreed the library should follow the same restrictions.

Dionne, who is on the library board, said he doesn’t expect the mandate to be updated as they discussed the policy at their last meeting, deciding to stay the course with the measure.

He did show some frustration about people trying to remove a policy that, as of December 2021, has been considered quite successful.

“That’s what it’s come down to, one side against the other instead of thinking of the good for the whole community.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow