Parkhill Library

nice place to use public computers and public books for all ages

Two words to describe this shameful Public space 'Salem's Lot'.

I gave 2 stars, as my daughter and I thoroughly and genuinely enjoyed this Public Space and what it had to offer....it became part of our weekly routine/lives, until we were blatantly insulted and given the strong aggressive message that Vegans Don't Belong within the walls of the Parkhill Public Library.
We have neighboring inclusive communities, therefore, we chose to turn the other cheek'....they refused to apologize.

While the structure and children's programs Parkhill offers are high quality, the cold unfriendly tone (two staff were kind to us) and Discrimination against my daughter and my Veganism was deplorable.
It took almost a year to 'connect the dots'.
It started with a cold tone which was puzzling, and I dismissed to the culture in our new town....until 4 significant events occured:

1. We were met with blatant hostility when I shared in friendly conversation that we were going out for vegan icecream following the children's fruit and veggie program. The staff abruptly said "That's not icecream!" This was so strange and puzzling that I inquired at our next visit if this person was a dairy farmer...which the individual declared they were..I was taken aback that someone employed within a publicly funded service could outwardly express their offense, and direct such rudeness towards an unsuspecting patron that Identified with conflicting values as someone not the same as them.

2. I was met with hostility when I inquired about Vegan resources for kids (different staff) The staff abruptly told me "I have my own opinion" and too taking offence to a simple inquiry that did not require an opinion...there were zero books geared to children on Veganism, and even after I submitted a request, nothing came in, as even the main office seemed offended.

3. I recieved a disturbing, hostile and dehumanizing email from the site supervisor after inquiring about their 'Patron Confidentiality Policy'. In his degrading email, he made it clear he and his staff were in some way superior to us. Then later realizing the mistake he made, and simply wanted to 'brush it under the carpet'.

4. I finally submitted a formal complaint after numerous insulting inexcusable confrontations from their staff regarding our Vegan Identification and personal inquiry character. I recieved no response to this day from this disgraceful Public Service that's run like an exclusive 'Members Only' establishment, where the criteria for acceptance is their personal preferences. I still find it difficult to absorb and process their superior audacity....and the fact it was condoned by their Board of Directors.

Fortunately we don't live far from the community in which I grew up (steering clear of Cultish Culture)....We always feel welcomed in any LCL that we happen to visit...to borrow a book, participate in a program or browse new additions and recommend new titles.

Canada's Food Guide favors a plant based diet over animal/byproduct consumption recognizing with supporting research, science and data that it is indeed healthier. Yes, even for growing children.
Not to mention it is simply a kinder and responsible way to live, for both animals and the environment.

See attached pic. With Lambton County library, I was able to easily, without harassment, judgement and hate, but rather welcomed diversity, bring in these 3 titles, while Middlesex refused even one title, with the mere request forced my child and I onto a 'Blacklist', taking away our sense of safety and security, within the walls of our Community Public Library.
You decide who is Progressive and Inclusive, and who rolls in the dark ages of 'Witch Hunts'.