Task 1 - Prompt 1
Reading Correspondence
11:00
Read the following message
Dear Ms. Lavoie,
I’m writing about the pilot schedule posted yesterday at the Granville Public Library. According to the poster, from October 7 to November 30, all weekday closing times will move from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and study rooms after 5:00 p.m. will require a $6 per hour reservation fee, paid online. I understand the need to manage costs and staffing, and I appreciate that this is a trial. However, I’m concerned that the combination of earlier closing and a new evening fee may unintentionally exclude the very people who rely on the library most after work and school.
Here’s why. I’m a project coordinator who commutes from Surrey to downtown Vancouver. Three evenings a week, I meet my younger sister Nisha at Granville to prepare for her CELPIP test. We usually arrive by 6:10 p.m. after her shift ends. With a 7:00 p.m. closing, we’d need to pack up by 6:45 p.m.—barely thirty minutes of real study time once we settle in. Paying $6 per hour for a study room on top of transit and test fees may not sound like much, but for many learners, it’s the deciding factor between staying and leaving. If we go to a café, we end up paying more than that in coffees, and the noise defeats the purpose. Is that truly the outcome we want for a public learning space?
I also volunteer on Saturdays for the Homework Club, and I’ve noticed that the busiest period for quiet study is between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. during midterms and language-test seasons. Several international students told me they don’t have stable internet or a quiet desk at home. An online-only payment system for rooms at 5:45 p.m. locks out anyone with a slow phone or a declined card—even when rooms are empty.
I’m not criticizing the need to experiment; I’m asking that the pilot measure the right outcomes. Could the branch keep two late evenings (e.g., Tue/Thu) until 9:30 p.m.? Or waive the evening room fee for students who show an upcoming exam date? Even a 15-minute grace period at closing would prevent the rush that sends people into the street mid-paragraph. I’m happy to volunteer on one late night to help with room checkouts if staffing is the issue.
Thank you for considering adjustments that keep the library affordable and welcoming, especially for learners who study after work. I’d appreciate a reply so I can plan Nisha’s schedule this month.
Sincerely,
Arjun Mehta
Library Member #482917
I’m writing about the pilot schedule posted yesterday at the Granville Public Library. According to the poster, from October 7 to November 30, all weekday closing times will move from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and study rooms after 5:00 p.m. will require a $6 per hour reservation fee, paid online. I understand the need to manage costs and staffing, and I appreciate that this is a trial. However, I’m concerned that the combination of earlier closing and a new evening fee may unintentionally exclude the very people who rely on the library most after work and school.
Here’s why. I’m a project coordinator who commutes from Surrey to downtown Vancouver. Three evenings a week, I meet my younger sister Nisha at Granville to prepare for her CELPIP test. We usually arrive by 6:10 p.m. after her shift ends. With a 7:00 p.m. closing, we’d need to pack up by 6:45 p.m.—barely thirty minutes of real study time once we settle in. Paying $6 per hour for a study room on top of transit and test fees may not sound like much, but for many learners, it’s the deciding factor between staying and leaving. If we go to a café, we end up paying more than that in coffees, and the noise defeats the purpose. Is that truly the outcome we want for a public learning space?
I also volunteer on Saturdays for the Homework Club, and I’ve noticed that the busiest period for quiet study is between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. during midterms and language-test seasons. Several international students told me they don’t have stable internet or a quiet desk at home. An online-only payment system for rooms at 5:45 p.m. locks out anyone with a slow phone or a declined card—even when rooms are empty.
I’m not criticizing the need to experiment; I’m asking that the pilot measure the right outcomes. Could the branch keep two late evenings (e.g., Tue/Thu) until 9:30 p.m.? Or waive the evening room fee for students who show an upcoming exam date? Even a 15-minute grace period at closing would prevent the rush that sends people into the street mid-paragraph. I’m happy to volunteer on one late night to help with room checkouts if staffing is the issue.
Thank you for considering adjustments that keep the library affordable and welcoming, especially for learners who study after work. I’d appreciate a reply so I can plan Nisha’s schedule this month.
Sincerely,
Arjun Mehta
Library Member #482917
Choose the best option according to the information given in the message:
1. What is the main purpose of Arjun’s message?
2. During the pilot, what change is proposed for weekday closing times?
3. Why does Arjun believe the evening study-room fee could be a barrier?
4. What is implied about the busiest time for quiet study?
5. In the sentence “Is that truly the outcome we want for a public learning space?”, “that” most likely refers to …
6. Which suggestion does Arjun NOT make?
Here is a response to the message. Complete the response by filling in the blanks. Select the best choice for each blank from the drop-down
Dear Mr. Mehta,
Thank you for 7.... on the pilot. Your letter clearly explains how the earlier closing time and evening room fee 8.... learners who study after work. Our preliminary counts also show the highest demand 9...., which aligns with your observations. Based on community feedback, we will adjust the pilot to keep two late evenings per week and to waive the evening room fee for patrons who present proof of an upcoming exam. These changes 10.... our goal of keeping access equitable while we manage staffing.
We appreciate your offer to help; our team will reach out about volunteer shifts. Clearly, 11....—to keep the library welcoming and affordable for everyone.
Respectfully,
Claire Lavoie
Head of Programs, Granville Public Library