By CJME News Staff

Province admits mistake, restores funding to Sask. libraries

Apr 24, 2017 | 1:30 PM

After weeks of backlash, the provincial government has reversed its decision to slash library funding.

On Monday, the province announced it will be restoring funding back to the 2016-17 funding levels, allowing regional and municipal libraries to remain operational. This will also leave the inter-library loan serviceintact.

Libraries will get $4.8 million in addition to the $3.5 million that was announced in the budget on March 22.

Education Minister Don Morgan admitted cutting library funding was a mistake.

“There were many necessary, difficult decisions taken in this budget, however, the reductions in library funding without giving libraries the tools to meet the new challenge was a mistake,” he said in a news release.

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Morgan also announced there will be a consultative review with Saskatchewan’s libraries and municipalities to determine what will be best for library users and communities, while being financially prudent, in the future. 

As the province develops a long-term strategy for the future of the province’s libraries, it will also review The Public Libraries Act. It also will work with libraries to find efficiencies, including options for transportation and co-location, to ensure the most effective use of available resources.

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