NDP MLA Carla Beck enjoys taking out digital books when travelling across Saskatchewan to speak with residents, so she is concerned by the silence around a governmental review of the provincial library system.
Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP are not the only ones concerned about the lack of news around the review, however, as the regional libraries are also uncertain about what the provincial government’s future plans are. To better gauge this concern, Beck and NDP leader Ryan Meili have been taking road trips to hear from library employees.
Beck and Meili were in Moose Jaw on July 5, where they met with staff from Palliser Regional Library. Both MLAs also took time to serve hamburgers and hot dogs at the Timothy Eaton Centre during Sidewalk Days.
Library concerns
When the provincial government attempted to cut funding to libraries in 2017, Moose Jaw was one community that played a major role in fighting back, Beck said. She remembers walking through Crescent Park and seeing families and individuals protesting the proposed cuts.
After the cuts were reversed, the provincial government decided to review the funding given to regional libraries. A survey was distributed, but Beck pointed out there has been little said on the long-term plans for the library system.
The NDP has asked repeatedly for news, but to no avail, she said.
The NDP MLAs heard that the funding Palliser receives is inadequate to provide the services required. Beck noted the NDP has heard from thousands of Saskatchewanians who use the libraries about why they use them and why they are important.
“Palliser (Regional) Library does a really good job of providing materials to other libraries throughout the province,” Beck said. It also plays a role in the provincial archive system.
Citizens more aware
Many people, she continued, are paying more attention to what the next steps are for libraries and if the provincial government still intends to make cuts or offer a different vision.
Palliser serves a large area of the province, Meili said. He thought the organization was “quite an impressive operation.”
“Given the uncertainty, it is concerning for smaller communities,” he added.
Libraries act as a community hub for communities, especially smaller ones, said Beck. Libraries provide some of the most reliable internet in rural Saskatchewan. They allow people to conduct business online, check crop reports and sell products. They also enable people to use computers for work, play or education.
Libraries still important
“We have concerns about the number of children in this province who are not ready to learn by the time they get to kindergarten,” she continued. “It simply seems wrong-headed to be looking at cutting literacy programs and library programs … .”
Libraries do play an important role in the 21st century, Beck said. It’s a misunderstanding to say a change in the number of books checked out means libraries are no longer relevant.
Bus transportation
The elimination of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) has made it difficult for libraries to send books around the province, especially in a timely manner, Beck said. The cost per item for shipping has also increased. She remembers seeing boxes of books stored alongside passengers’ bags when she rode the bus.
“It’s hurt so many people, the loss of the STC,” said Meili. Families have a difficult time connecting; seniors are suffering; it’s had a negative effect on businesses; and some residents have resorted to hitchhiking. This is why the NDP is committed to bringing back a provincial bus system.
“Absolutely it’s feasible,” he added. “It requires the political will. It requires … some planning to design a system that works for the needs of today, not the needs of 40 (to) 50 years ago. It’s feasible and it’s necessary.”
