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.