arivangeestnsupe

From the moment we learned about restructuring, program cuts, and layoffs, and AVRL, we have sought to keep as many libraries open and as many of our members working as possible. Throughout the process we have offered alternatives and solutions. Our members are ready to act to save our libraries and save our jobs.

We echo Mayor Zebian’s call for an emergency meeting of the board and for a one year stop gap solution so that we can effectively mobilize resources, gather community input, and adequately plan for the future of library services as a community. If funding can be extended until March 31, 2027, it will give our community the opportunity to decide the next steps in a clear and transparent way.

Now that everyone is aware of the dire situation of library funding, we require a community solution, not a decision solely decided by the board or provincial government. Every member of the community, especially library workers, should be involved in this process. It’s time to extend funding until March 31, 2027, and go back to the drawing board to rethink the next steps for library services in the Annapolis Valley.

We are outraged to hear about the closure of five of eleven libraries in the Annapolis Valley Regional Library; Lawrencetown, Middleton, Hantsport, Kentville, and Port Williams libraries will all be closing. While we knew cuts were coming, the magnitude of the cuts is extreme.

Libraries are far more than places that lend books. They are community anchors staffed by highly skilled librarians and library workers who deliver essential services that support education, employment, digital literacy, and social inclusion.

For people without reliable internet, quiet study space, or access to social services, the library is often the first and only place they can turn. Library workers routinely help individuals file taxes, access benefits, learn digital skills, and connect with community supports. These are not incidental services. They are essential supports that strengthen the social and economic foundation of communities across Annapolis Valley.

Make no mistake, these closures, layoffs, and loss of services are a direct result of the Tim Houston Conservative Government’s budget cuts. They can claim that they have not made cuts to library funding, but years of underfunding and no increases since 2020, a time that saw inflation of 20%, which is effectively a 20% budget cut, has led to this moment. The inaction by MLAs from Annapolis, Hants West, Kings North, Kings South, and Kings West will have severe impacts throughout the Annapolis Valley.

We will not take these cuts sitting down. We will organize throughout the Annapolis Valley to advocate for the proper funding of our public libraries and to ensure our communities continue to have access to the services they depend on. We will provide more information in the coming days as more information is released.

Author: arivangeestnsupe

Pause the Cuts, Protect Nova Scotia Libraries

NSUPE Shocked Annapolis Valley Closes 45% of Library Branches