Listen Live
Listen Live

PG residents fix Free Library near Hart Ski Hill after recent vandalism

Thanks to volunteers and a local business, the free library adjacent to the Hart Ski Hill has been repaired with plexiglass and re-stocked with books after a recent case of vandalism.

On Monday, the Hart Highlands Winter Club posted on Facebook that the window of their free library was smashed with a river rock and that the culprit proceeded to rip up several books.

President, Bernadette Kipping told MyPGNow.com she couldn’t be more proud of the people of PG who acted quickly and devoted their time.

“For all of those who did drop the books off, it’s awesome, it is a fairly large library and it is so well-used. Of course, with the park being right beside it they love it – I am pleased because the whole idea is to overlook the Hart Ski Hill and it’s just a beautiful view.”

Kipping is the caretaker and founder of Thea May Palmer Memorial Park, which is adjacent to the ski hill. The green space was named after a former employee who tragically passed away in a single-vehicle crash a few years ago.

Prior to the repairs, Kipping was dismayed about the recent crime at the free library.

“We have volunteers who are taking care of things and you put your heart and soul and create it for a special person that was taken far too early. At the Hart Ski Hill, we try and do good things.”

“It’s not very nice when the bad things happen because it’s sad. We are just trying to do good things.”

Sadly, this isn’t the first time an outdoor book exchange has fallen victim to a crime.

Back in 2018, the free library outside of Ron Brent Elementary School was burnt to a crisp leading to outrage among many residents in the community as well as a subsequent investigation by the Prince George RCMP.

The book exchange was often viewed as a cornerstone for improving literacy levels for youth in the surrounding neighborhood.

Luckily, local resident and contractor Derek Andrew decided to build a new book exchange a few weeks later to help break the stigma surrounding the area.

On a separate note, Kipping said they hope to have the Hart Ski Hill up and running prior to the Christmas Holidays.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Garbage truck replacement coming before City Council

Prince George City Council will consider replacing a garbage truck at tomorrow's (Monday) meeting. According to a staff report, one of the City's garbage trucks was in a serious motor vehicle accident on Foothills Boulevard on May 13, 2024, resulting in the unit being written off by ICBC.

Darin’s Sports Shorts; Sunday July 13th

Recap of yesterday's sports.

Community rallies behind athletes during Special Olympics BC Summer Games

Medal ceremonies were held at Masich Place during day two of the Special Olympics BC Summer Games.

Prince George celebrates Pride Week with downtown parade

Residents lined up in the streets of downtown Prince George this morning (Saturday), taking in the 28th annual PG Pride Parade.

PG’s Jared Young gets second call-up to the Mets

Jared Young of Prince George is joining the New York Mets roster once again.
- Advertisement -