The government has reversed a 58 per cent cut – about $400,000 – to the Wapiti Regional Library’s funding.
Tony Murphy, the library’s regional director, said they are thrilled with the restoration of funding.
“It’s a very good day for Saskatchewan libraries and for Wapiti, I would say.”
At the same time, the government has announced it will launch a consultation with libraries, municipalities and the public to develop a long-term strategy for libraries. That will involve a review of the Public Libraries Act, and working with libraries to find efficiencies like locating libraries in the same building as other facilities.
Murphy said the province should have began with the consultations before announcing cuts.
“The libraries will have a chance to work with the government towards positive change and budget solutions and things because the government is in a deficit situation and certainly, from Wapiti’s point of view, we have no problem helping our province get through a deficit.”
While the government has restored funding for this year, there are no guarantees after that. Murphy said the library will examine reversing the cut it made to the Hoopla digital distribution system – by reducing the amount of items patrons could take out by half – in that light.
As for the province’s interlibrary loans system, Murphy said while the regional libraries have yet to meet about restoring the system, he assumes that will happen.
“I think that certainly the people of the province made very clear, was that, ‘hey! We missed that instantly and we want it back.’”
The director said the public’s response was important in getting the province to change its mind.
“I think that Saskatchewan citizens have really stepped up to say, ‘we value our libraries’ and the government has listened.”
The director also acknowledged the partnership role that municipalities play in the library system, not only providing levies required by legislation, but also providing libraries with buildings and the fixings within.
