By Roger White

‘They woke a sleeping giant:’ Library funding restored

Apr 24, 2017 | 9:32 PM

After weeks of protests, petitions and public pressure, the Government of Saskatchewan has announced it will restore funding for provincial libraries back to 2016-17 funding levels.

Education Minister Don Morgan made the announcement Monday the government would add an additional $4.8 million dollars to the $3.5 million that was originally allotted to libraries. The announcement also enables regional and municipal libraries and the One Province, One Library loan service to remain operational.

Lakelands Regional Library board, which services the Battlefords and surrounding area, would have lost 58 per cent of its operating budget. Community services librarian Colin Evans, was originally handed his layoff notice.

“I’m overjoyed and extremely thankful to the province for reconsidering their decision to cut funding to libraries,” Evans said. “Most of all we need to thank the people of the province for standing by us and letting the government know that libraries have a role in today’s communities.”

While Evans pointed out his impending layoff has not technically been rescinded, he believed things at the library should resume as they were before the March 22 budget.

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“I wasn’t really surprised at the amount of support that the regional libraries received across the province,” Evan noted. “They awoke a sleeping giant and the people let their voices be heard.”

Last year Lakelands Regional Library received $814,000 which was used to fund staff, programs and help with the delivery of services in the area. The cuts would have meant that the library would lose $472,000 and be left with an operating budget of $342,000.

“I really didn’t think we would get 100 per cent of the funding back,” Evan added. “It’s going to be very interesting to see how this all plays out in the end but I’m glad this chapter is over for now.”

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @battlefordsNOW