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Regional library concerned about funding cuts to Ontario libraries

Palliser Regional Library CEO believes Saskatchewan libraries might face funding cuts again in the future.

The Government of Ontario intends to reduce funding to the Ontario Library Service to address the province’s $11.7-billion deficit, a move that Palliser Regional Library is monitoring closely.

“We are watching with deep interest and grave concern,” said director/CEO Jan Smith. “This could easily spread throughout the country. We just fought this (same battle) in 2017. We wish Ontario libraries luck … They are a resource that is needed.”

The Ontario government tabled its 2019-20 budget in early April. The Ontario Library Service — composed of northern and southern branches — delivers services on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The province plans to reduce the ministry’s funding to $1.49 billion from $1.59 billion.

The northern and southern library services support public libraries in various ways, from running the interlibrary loan and delivery program to offering training for library staff and volunteers. Both services have budgets of around $3 million; those will be halved to $1.5 million each.

The idea of cutting funding to libraries could spread since Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s decisions are contagious, said Smith. 

The Saskatchewan government attempted to do something similar two years ago, but reversed its decision after public outcry. At that time, Palliser Regional Library saw its budget cut by 58 per cent before funding was restored. 

Libraries are an important community resource, especially when economies struggle as they are in Saskatchewan and Ontario, Smith pointed out. Whenever that happens, people need access to resources, entertainment and recreation, plus places to gather and meet.

A Palliser library card indicates how much money you save when you check out books, she continued. A friend’s 11-year-old son saves $6,000 a year since he is an avid reader. 

Libraries also provide more than just books. For example, they supply information, newspapers, learning supports and job assistance, and other social services. 

“We are an aging population across this country,” Smith continued. Seniors have more free time and want to be reading and actively taking part in programming. They want e-services and access to large-print books — on their cellphones, tablets, e-readers and as actual books. 

“They are looking for a host of services that you and I take for granted these days,” added Smith, adding seniors are downloading books “like crazy” just as much as young people are. 

One service that the library offers, Press Reader, allows readers to access more than 7,000 world newspapers in 92 languages. This means grandparents in Moose Jaw could read about news in Tulsa, Okla., where their grandchildren live. 

Smith worked for Ontario Library Service North for 13 years, before moving west in 1999. With what is happening in Ontario, she believes this same situation could happen again in Saskatchewan, possibly within five years. 

She also believes Canadians from coast to coast might also have to fight their provincial governments against funding cuts to libraries. Such cuts happen since there is a “misguided idea that you can find everything on the internet and that the internet is free,” both of which she says are untrue.

“I wish Ontario the best of luck in their battle,” Smith added. “We need to be on their side and help them win.” 

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