Over the last months, and particularly during the past two weeks, calls for retribution have been aimed at Borough Mayor Michael Applebaum, Ward Councillor Warren Allmand, the former downtown culture chief Benoit Labonté (who quit his portfolio and allegiance to Big Mayor Gérald Tremblay this week) and MNA Russell Copeman.

Then there is Chairman John Dinsmore and members of the Library board!

The Fraser-Hickson now seems to have been saved, but not of course with its former affluence. Left with the loss are the library’s users.

Most sympathies go to them and the dedicated staff who have provided the widely appreciated service.

The summer cannot have been a joy ride, either, for the governors, who have had to make a host of serious decisions. These members of the volunteer board, who had accepted to manage the historic facility, could not have anticipated facing the ultimate failure — closure.

It is the sort of event that discourages busy people offering their time and energy to public service, although it is one of the situations in which their expertise is most needed.

The library had three big problems. Its endowment funds had taken a hit and were not producing enough income which led to the second crisis — insufficient operating funds to pay staff, operating costs and buy new books and materials. Private donors would not fill the revenue gap.

Could that money come from some government fund? Attempting to solve this question, Labonté became the centre of many arguments, between all sides: the borough, Copeman and Dinsmore. And it is one word that caused a key problem.

Allmand this week pointed out the differing interpretations of “public”. Did it mean that it was open to the public — as the Fraser-Hickson was — or that it was owned by the public — which it wasn’t!

“That led to confusion,” the councillor said.

In June, Labonté thought there was money available from Quebec. But it was only for municipalities — not private organizations — and there was no indication that Fraser-Hickson was willing to sell, Allmand explained.

Besides, the programme doesn’t become operative until November or December — if then.

“I spoke to Labonté about it myself. The Gazette got it wrong, and they have not printed the letter I sent correcting the mistake,” said an aggrieved Allmand.

The board looked for a solution by re-locating to a more cost-effective borough facility, but Applebaum could not find one big enough. He told them of the resources he had.

Now, piecing together different negotiations, it looks as though the EMSB has a choice of three buildings that might suit the library, which does not want to move out of NDG. The borough will help with conversion costs.

The school board will gain a library for its students in return for absorbing some of the operating expenses.

The sale of its present building will double the Fraser-Hickson’s capital and the investment income will cover about two-thirds of its running costs.

The borough will provide about $200,000 annually from its local funds for the remainder.

Applebaum had an appointment to discuss some details with Mayor Tremblay before the Big City council meeting on Monday evening. Dinsmore is due to see the borough mayor on Thursday.

The institution will be saved, but not the building. The Fraser-Hickson has previously had to move. When it opened in 1885, it was located in Burnside House at the corner of University Street and Dorchester Boulevard downtown.