Category: News

The Village of Lawrencetown, N.S., is pledging to keep its library open after the Annapolis Valley Regional Library Board said it would shut the branch down, along with four others, this summer.

The board said the branches in Hantsport, Kentville, Lawrencetown, Middleton and Port Williams will shut down on July 20 due to a “significant funding shortfall.” The move will eliminate nine full-time-equivalent positions.

The board runs 11 libraries in the Annapolis Valley.

The Lawrencetown Village Commission said the Dr. Frank Morse Memorial Library was built and donated to them in 2002. The commission met on Monday night and committed to reopening the library under their management in the coming months.

“As a result of the Morse family’s contribution, we are not starting from scratch,” a news release from the commission reads. “The commissioners are actively working with other libraries and organizations that have successfully managed their library services under slightly different models.”

The library board said they asked eight municipalities for additional contributions to the 2026-2027 budget, but noted they still have to close the five branches despite the extra support.

David Corkum, mayor of the Municipality of the County of Kings, said they are “very disappointed” with the closure of the library in their region.

“Libraries mean a lot to the area and currently we don’t understand the logic for why these ones are closing,” he said.

The Association of Nova Scotia Villages is calling on the province to increase funding for public libraries.

“Lawrencetown’s response shows the strength of village government,” said president Brian Banks. “But villages should not be forced to step in to preserve essential services because provincial funding has not kept pace with need.”

The Nova Scotia Union of Public and Private Employees blamed the library closures on the provincial government’s budget cuts.

“Libraries are far more than places that lend books,” a news release from the union reads. “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.”

Bill VanGorder, Nova Scotia spokesperson for the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, said many seniors rely on libraries.

“Libraries just aren’t a place for seniors to get books,” he said. “They are a meeting place and they’re a learning place, they’re an educational place, they’re an information place.

“Going to the next town doesn’t work when you are a rural community.”

The provincial government spends more than $16 million each year in support of libraries, according to a statement to CTV News from the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. The government added it protected that funding in this year’s budget.

“Losing a local library is difficult, and we understand what these branches mean to the communities they serve. As an independently governed regional library system, these decisions rest with the Annapolis Valley Regional Library’s board. The Province respects that and remains a committed partner,” reads the statement.

“Protecting library funding in a difficult budget year was a deliberate choice — one that reflects how much these services matter. Still, every public institution right now is being asked to do more with less — the Province included — and that means looking hard at how services are delivered, not only how much they cost.”

The province says it provides 71 per cent of each regional library’s annual budget – except for Halifax Regional Municipality which covers 71 per cent of its budget – while the municipalities cover 26 per cent and library boards raise a minimum of three percent.

“The current funding formula provides a base amount for operational expenses such as staffing, collections and technology, with additional funding based on the population served. Population density and francophone representation are also factored in,” reads the statement.

As of 2021, the Annapolis Valley Regional Library’s annual grant is $1,919,600. An additional $93,200 in funding was allotted in 2025 in response to requests from the Council of Regional Librarians, according to the province.

“The Province has not received a request from the Council of Regional Librarians this year. Should a request be received, it will be given consideration based on fiscal capacity at that time,” reads the statement.

“We have been in regular contact with AVRL and are aware of the financial pressures they have been facing. We were notified of their plans to close branches on May 28. As an independently governed regional library system, these decisions rest with the Annapolis Valley Regional Library’s board.”

Source: CTV News Nova Scotia

 

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library Board is closing five branches in Nova Scotia this summer due to a “significant funding shortfall.”

The board, which operates 11 branches in the Annapolis Valley, said it is facing a “structural funding deficit” that cannot be overcome with incremental changes.

On July 20, the branches in Hantsport, Kentville, Lawrencetown, Middleton and Port Williams will close their doors. Services will be consolidated into the remaining six branches.

These closures will eliminate nine full-time-equivalent positions. The board says the affected employees have been offered transition support.

“While this decision is deeply difficult, the long-term vision is to protect the Library’s ability to serve the region by focusing resources into a smaller but financially stable library system that can continue to support literacy, learning, digital access, and community connection,” a news release from the board reads.

The board asked eight municipalities for additional contributions to the 2026-2027 budget, but despite the extra support, they say they still have to make these changes.

The board says they have seen a 40 per cent increase in circulation in the last 15 years.

“These decisions are not being made because libraries are no longer being used,” said board CEO Julia Merritt. “They are being made because the current funding model has not kept pace with rising demand, inflation, and operating costs.”

Source: CTV News Nova Scotia

To Mayor Andy Fillmore
Halifax Regional Municipality

May 25, 2026

RE: Open Letter Regarding Funding for School Librarians

Dear Mayor Fillmore,

The Atlantic Provinces Library Association (APLA) represents library workers and supporters across the Atlantic region, all of whom believe that school librarians are critically important to student success in primary and secondary institutions. I am writing on their behalf to acknowledge the immediate relief offered by the new agreement, and to respectfully ask that the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) reconsider phasing out this important investment.

The direct link between school libraries and student achievement cannot be refuted. Decades of research has documented the positive correlation between school libraries and student achievement under the direction of qualified staff (Curry Lance & D. Kachal, 2018). Moreover, school librarians are leading the charge in realigning the library to anticipate the learning needs of today’s K-12 students. These highly qualified professionals are uniquely positioned to support students, faculty, and administrators as they navigate the intersection of information, technology, and experiential learning and lay the foundation for responsible digital citizenship. Without a school librarian, the library learning commons is just another room in the building.

Thank you for your commitment to funding for the next five years. While the reprieve is a relief for school librarians, the lack of certainty has been “extremely stressful and difficult on all the members” (Ryan, 2026). Ongoing commitment to school librarians is good for Halifax’s economy, its continued tax base, and the future of education in Nova Scotia. We stand in solidarity with CUPE Local 5047 and their promise to “continue to advocate and fight for the importance of these positions” (Ryan, 2026). On their behalf, and on behalf of the APLA membership, I respectfully encourage continued investment in the youth of your province by ensuring that this funding continues beyond the current five-year limit.

Sincerely, on behalf of the APLA Membership,

Terri Winchcombe
APLA President, 2025/26

To the Honourable Brendan Maguire
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

May 25, 2026

RE: Open Letter Regarding Funding for School Librarians

Dear Minister Maguire,

The Atlantic Provinces Library Association (APLA) represents library workers and supporters across the Atlantic region, all of whom believe that school librarians are critically important to student success in primary and secondary institutions. I am writing on their behalf to acknowledge the immediate relief offered by the new agreement between the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE), and to echo the request that the province Department “commit to replacing any funding for Halifax school librarians” (Ryan, 2026).

The direct link between school libraries and student achievement cannot be refuted. Decades of research has documented the positive correlation between school libraries and student achievement under the direction of qualified staff.1 Moreover, school librarians are leading the charge in realigning the library to anticipate the learning needs of today’s K-12 students. These highly qualified professionals are uniquely positioned to support students, faculty, and administrators as they navigate the intersection of information, technology, and experiential learning and lay the foundation for responsible digital citizenship. Without a school librarian, the library learning commons is just another room in the building.

In March of this year, we wrote to Premier Houston to express our concern with proposed budget cuts, but received no response. We did, however, receive a response from the office of the Honourable Becky Durham acknowledging our advocacy efforts. While the Minister of Community, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage stated at the time that “library funding was not cut,” we are about to witness the impact of reduced funding on the learning experiences of our children and their continued success in primary and secondary education. We cannot let this happen.

Thank you for acknowledging the “great impact” that [school] librarians have on education in Nova Scotia, and for taking the opportunity provided by the five year commitment by HRM and HRCE to engage in “discussions and planning with the province on long-term funding and support for students and school communities” (Ryan, 2026). On their behalf, and on behalf of the APLA membership, I respectfully encourage continued investment in the youth of your province by ensuring that funding for these positions continues beyond the next five years.

Sincerely, on behalf of the APLA Membership,

Terri Winchcombe
APLA President, 2025/26

 

For more than 30 years, this St. John’s public library has made its home in the west end, but next month it will close this chapter in its story.

The Michael Donovan Public Library is leaving the Waterford Valley Mall on Topsail Road. Its last day in its current location is June 13.

“We’ve had a really great time there, we’re trying to stay positive and hopefully we’ll find a new location really soon,” regional librarian Emma Craig told CBC Radio’s The St. John’s Morning Show.

In recent years, she said the library has had a month-by-month lease in the mall, which has ended. Craig said they are actively looking for a new home and they have potential locations.

Previously, Craig said they had considered moving to the nearby Village Mall — which is about a five-minute drive from the library’s current location — and there was a lot of excitement about it.

She said it could still happen.

“We have to keep our options open. And obviously, because we’re part of government, we’ll have to go through a necessary procurement process before we can confirm any location,” said Craig.

The “worst case scenario” would be the Michael Donovan Public Library closing permanently, she said, adding they’re optimistic they will reopen in another location.

“We don’t want our community, especially our community in the west end, to think that there won’t be a library that’s close to them,” said Craig.

The Michael Donovan Public Library is also one of their more frequented locations in the province, said Craig.

“We always like to think of those branches as small but mighty libraries. Like, despite their size restrictions, they definitely continue to serve their community as best they can when it comes to circulation, providing services, and again, programs.”

Looking for bigger, accessible space

Craig said the Waterford Valley Mall space did have its limitations, as it was a small spot with few seating options and no space for programming. Moving means they can find a more suitable space.

“Anytime we put on programs or events at that library, you’re basically on top of each other,” said Craig.

“So our ideal space would definitely be something a little bigger, maybe like a set room where we could have some programming going on.”

Craig said they’d also want a new home to have more seating space, be accessible and have more parking.

The library has to be out of the space by the end of June, so the last few weeks will involve a lot of packing up books and removing shelving and furniture.

Craig hopes they’ll have a new space to move into by that time, but if not, they will need to figure out storage options.

Source: CBC Newfoundland & Labrador

The following letter was sent to Anna Burke, Acting NSCC President:

**********

The news of the sweeping elimination of all campus librarian positions and a library Director at
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) was met with shock and distress by members of our
association. The Atlantic Provinces Library Association (APLA) represents library workers and
supporters across the Atlantic region, all of whom believe that librarians are critically important
to student success in postsecondary institutions. I am writing on their behalf to respectfully ask
that you reconsider this decision and reinstate these positions.

As reported to CBC News, these decisions were made “while keeping program delivery and
student support top of mind.” Library staff provide essential services to both faculty and
students that cannot be replaced or replicated. Librarians and library technicians contribute to
the institution in unique but equally vital ways, working together to ensure students receive
informed professional guidance, reliable access to resources, and responsive service. The
sudden decimation of campus librarian positions will leave your frontline technicians
unsupported. It will significantly impact student learning and faculty applied research and
innovation projects. This decision not only undermines the importance of librarians in the
delivery of library services, but it also will have long-term negative impacts on the students you
aim to support. A library is an integral part of a campus community, and its staff are
irreplaceable. The decision to eliminate campus librarians cannot be reconciled with the claim
that “leadership had a ‘laser focus’ on maintaining programming and student support.”

The inspiring work coming out of NSCC over the years has clearly demonstrated that librarians
are essential to the operation of your libraries and to the success of your institution. Moreover,
these layoffs are not, in fact, rooted in NSCC’s values and principles per your Strategic Plan;
namely, accessibility, student and employee success and public accountability. We stand with
the Atlantic Academic Union and their concern about how this will impact the students of NSCC.
If, as Acting Vice President Stacey Baillie claimed, “[NSCC] students can expect and will get the
best programming, the best supports and services that will help them prepare for college,
succeed while they’re at college, thrive in their programs, and ultimately find meaningful
careers in the workforce,” then it is imperative that these positions be reinstated.

Sincerely, on behalf of the APLA Membership,

Terri Winchcombe
APLA President, 2025/26

New deadline: May 15th

Presented during the Annual Conference, the APLA Merit Award honours an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to library services in the Atlantic Provinces.

Some of the contributions that might be considered in selecting a person for this award are: leadership in library associations at the local, regional and provincial levels; contributions to the development, application and utilization of library services and library systems; significant contribution to library literature.

If you know someone who you would like to nominate for the APLA Merit Award, please submit nominations, including documentation of the nominee’s achievements and letters of support, to APLA’s Past President, past-president@apla.ca.

 

This free two-day event is for library workers, lab managers, research / ethics personnel, and research computing / IT specialists who offer research data management (RDM) support in Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institutions. The program features case-study presentations and facilitated design sessions that will provide opportunities for training, collaboration, and networking. Participants will gain job-specific knowledge, local connections, and adaptable materials to help support RDM as a service in their own institutions.

Attendance is by application only, and limited funding is available to support travel and accommodation for participants from any province in the Atlantic region.

Date: September 22 – 23, 2026
Venue: Halifax Convention Centre, Halifax, NS
Audience: RDM practitioners at Atlantic academic institutions, such as library workers, lab managers, research office / ethics personnel, or computing / IT specialists.

Visit https://atlantic-rdm.github.io/ for more information and to submit your application.

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for proposal submissions for the upcoming NLLA conference is this Friday, May 1st – and we’d love to hear from you!

Taking place on Friday, June 5th, Overdue but Not Lost: Renewing Our Community will be a hybrid event, with options to present in person in St. John’s or online from anywhere in Newfoundland & Labrador. It’s our first time gathering as a community since 2019, and we’re excited to reconnect, share, and celebrate the incredible work happening in libraries across our province.

We welcome proposals from library workers in all sectors on any library-related topic, either practical or theoretical. Whether you are sharing a successful project, a challenge you’ve navigated, an emerging technology, or a fresh idea, we want to hear your voice.

Possible session formats include:

  • Presentation (30 min.)
  • Mini Workshop (45 min.)
  • Lightning Talk (7 min.)
  • Something Else (have an idea that doesn’t fit the categories above? Tell us about it!)

To submit, please use our online form (https://tinyurl.com/LetsRenew), and include your session type, delivery format, title, abstract, contact details, and a brief bio.

If you have any questions, please contact Janet Goosney (jgoosney@mun.ca).

We hope you’ll join us as we renew our community – see you in June!