1961: Nakusp Library poorly supported
The figure for 1960 reflects a most discouraging lack of support of the library by the adults of the community. Only 57 memberships were taken out, over one-third of those by people with no family. About 160 children availed themselves of the free use of the library. Although it is not necessary that they do so, the parents of the children who use the library frequently are invited to subscribe or make a donation, thus helping toward the amount which must be raised locally in order to qualify for the government grant. The membership fee is only $2.00. For this, every member take books out throughout the year.
Circulation dropped from 8,086 in 1959 to 7,141 in 1960, or nearly 1,000. This was due in part to the fact that television reception became available in the area, for during the short period when it went out there was a marked upsurge in book borrowing.
During the year, 61 adults and 69 juvenile books were bought, at a cost of $369.27, over $200 of this being for juvenile books which are very costly compared with adult books. In addition, 339 books were donated. There are now just over 3,500 volumes in the library, and shelving had to be extended to accommodate the growth. The non-fiction section has expanded, and appears to be very popular with adult readers.
The board wishes to make public acknowledgment of the generous donations of books by various people in the community, also to thank Mrs. Leary for the presentation and a fine old steel engraving of the meeting between Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns.
To the editor of the Arrow Lakes News we are indebted for copies of the 1959 and 1960 Book of the Year, compiled by the Encycolpaedia Britannica. These are on the reading desks, and are available to any member who should wish to take advantage of the information contained in them.
Some funds from the special equipment grant were used to purchase minor equipment ti improve the efficiency and appearance of the library. All work is voluntary and all costs are kept to a minimum.
With the death of Miss Dorothy Urry in the spring of the year, the Board lost a staunch friend and most capable librarian they were fortunate, however, in getting 3 new volunteers to share the Saturday library hours. - March 9.
1981: Nakusp out of bus service
The Mica-Nakusp Coach Lines which discounted bus service to Nakusp last week is still not offering any service.
There are no buses running from Revelstoke to Nakusp; Nelson to Nakusp or Vernon to Nakusp.
Terry Green, Motor Carrier Branch Field Office Inspector, said Monday that there is no word from the company that they intend to resume service.
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At the regular meeting of the school board on Wednesday it was reported that school enrollment in September 1980 for the district was 1028. The enrollment increased until it peaked in December at 1035 and since then has dropped rapidly to 996. -March 18.
2001: Roots Music Fest planned for Fall
Nakusp is preparing for a Music Festival in the park on the Labor Day weekend.
The Nakusp Roots Festival Society plans to bring big name entertainment into Nakusp for the long weekend.
Walter Sawadsky, manager of Wylie’s and president of the society was spokesman.
The society is made up of Nakusp and District Chamber of Commerce members, Downtown Merchants members and a professional musician.
He presented an overview to the Council of the Village of Nakusp on Thursday at their regular meeting.
Council approved in principle of the Festival provided that proper electrical and water are available.
Mayor Bill Cowan asked the Society to keep Council apprised of progress for the event.
Roots music is made up of Country and Western, Celtic, Swing, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Folk.
He said there is an opportunity for the September 1–2 weekend because of the same entertainers being in the area for other festivals in the same general period.
The organizers were asking council for use of the Kathy Pederson ball park to stage the event so that they can control crowds and provide parking in the arena parking lot.
They anticipate about 750 people per day for two days. -March 15.