Regional library left scrambling after budget

Public library funding took a major hit in the recent provincial budget.

Through the budget it was reported seven of eight regional library systems will have a reduction of $3.5 million (58 per cent) to $2.5 million in operating funding and that operating grant funding of $1.3 million for municipal library systems in Regina and Saskatoon will be eliminated.

The total cuts to municipal and regional library systems will be $4.8 million.

In a release the Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA) stated it is very concerned about targeted reductions in funding to libraries in the tabled 2017-2018 provincial budget and the implications to the residents and communities of the province.

Sharon Armstrong of Wynyard and chair of the Parkland Regional Library Board went farther in an interview with Yorkton This Week.

“A little shocked would be an understatement,” said Armstrong whose board represents 55 library branches including Yorkton.

Armstrong said will the immediate reduction is massive, the timing makes it even more difficult to deal with. She noted in the case of the Parkland Regional Library its 2017 budget “was approved” something which was carried out before Jan. 1. At that time invoices for municipal levies, the other source of revenue for libraries were sent out, and most were remitted immediately.

With a budget set, and other revenue sources funded, dealing with the provincial reduction leaves few options suggested Armstrong.

“It’s so irresponsible not to give us a year ahead,” she said.

Now the board will be left to make the hard choices.

“We’re talking service cuts,” she said, adding that could affect staff.

“How we’re going to deal with this is completely up in the air right now.”

In its release SLA noted it is also concerned with a five per cent reduction in provincial operating grants to universities, technical institutes and regional colleges (see related article on college funding this issue).

Michael Shires, President of SLA, stated in their release, “Libraries play a critical role in life-long learning and enhancing the quality of life for citizens of all ages. Libraries matter because they are fundamental to the cultural, educational, recreational, economic, and political well-being of communities and the people of Saskatchewan …

“SLA will continue to gather information from the regional and municipal libraries on the full impact of this funding reduction and the implications for their patrons. It can be surmised that there is no way that cuts of this magnitude can be absorbed without it affecting library service to our communities,” Shires said.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is also concerned about the impact this will have on libraries across the province – and for the municipalities that suddenly have to plan for the downloading of services.  

“Libraries are a vital part of communities across Saskatchewan, and the services they provide enrich the lives of many,” said Rhonda Heisler, CUPE library sector coordinator in a prepared release. “The Saskatchewan Government’s cuts to libraries will have a devastating impact on the many people who use library services and the many hard working and dedicated public servants who work in libraries.”

CUPE Employ represents 722 library workers who provide frontline services to residents in six regional libraries across the province and in Regina and Saskatoon public libraries. The primary job classifications are librarian, library clerk, library archive technician, and page. The vast majority of library workers are women (85 per cent), and many library workers are in part time or casual positions.

“Libraries are about more than just borrowing books. Meeting rooms are used by community groups, library staff host education programs and clubs, and the publicly accessible computer terminals are very popular,” said Heisler.  “There are services for seniors, children, employment support, language and reading groups, citizenship test preparation, and help for newcomers to build their resumes.”

Funding of libraries has traditionally been a joint provincial municipal responsibility. Now the province is downloading more costs onto municipalities, while also cutting other municipal funding such as the Rink Affordability Program, funding for regional parks, and the grants in lieu of taxes program for Crown Corporations.  

“Education Minister Don Morgan said the government “should be getting out of bricks and mortar libraries” and that a “library may not be a place that should be used as a sanctuary.”  This statement shows a lack of understanding of the many services libraries provide and the many reasons our patrons have for depending on libraries,” said Heisler. “CUPE will continue to advocate for adequate funding for public libraries and to support our members who work in this area.”