News

Although there’s uncertainty around her future as a school librarian, Kristin Welbourn is certain of one fact: she loves her job.

“It’s one of the most rewarding jobs,” she told The Chronicle Herald. “There’s so much more to it than just books. I help our community raise great kids.”

But a recent decision by Halifax regional council could see funding for Welbourn’s job in jeopardy, with dozens of other librarians across the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) sharing concerns about their livelihood.

Halifax Regional Municipality was asked to comment on the potential cuts to HRCE’s funding, which were originally shared by Education Minister Brendan Maguire on social media, but wouldn’t confirm them.

Continue reading “Nova Scotia: Halifax school librarians facing budget uncertainty, fear jobs are in jeopardy” →

The House of Assembly has paid tribute to a woman who was a stalwart member of their team for three decades.

House Speaker Paul Lane opened a session this week by acknowledging the passing of Norma Jean Richards, who was a legislative librarian with the House of Assembly from 1967 to 1997.

Lane says that during her time with the legislature, the woman was a “legend.”

Lane says Richards served during the tenures of six different premiers and eight speakers, and was a recipient of the Canada 125 medal in 1993. He says “she can be credited with building the foundation of the library collection still used to this day.”

Source: VOCM

Correctional Service Canada plans to cut library technicians and employment co-ordinator positions in federal penitentiaries, a move critics worry could affect inmate recidivism and reintegration.

Federal budget cuts means the department needs to come up with over $132 million in savings over the next three years, as the government plans to slash the public service. Correctional Service Canada (CSC) alone plans to cut over 400 positions, through means including workforce adjustment and career transitions.

The unions representing library technicians and employment co-ordinators say those jobs account for just under 50 of the positions to be cut.

Continue reading “Federal prisons to lose library technicians, employment co-ordinators in budget cuts” →

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Call for Proposals

The APLA 2026 Conference Team invites proposals for consideration for presentation at the 2026 In-person Annual Conference from June 15-18, 2026 , at the Delta Dartmouth Hotel in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Our theme is: Together We Thrive: Sustaining Libraries and Communities

Library workers are no strangers to handling challenging situations, and the last few years have brought more than their fair share. With this year’s APLA theme, we are looking for proposals that highlight how library professionals of all kinds come together to work through challenges big or small, figure things out, and continue to help and grow with our communities.

We want perspectives from students, public libraries, academic libraries, school libraries, health libraries, special libraries, archives, non-profit organizations, student support departments/organizations, community groups and more!

We are seeking presentations in the following format categories:

  • Pre-Conference Workshop (time to be determined)
  • 45 Minute Presentation (35 mins with an additional 10 mins for questions)
  • Half-hour Presentation (20 mins with an additional 10 mins for questions)
  • Interactive panel discussions (45 minutes)
  • Micro Talks (5-10 minutes)

Proposals that do not fit the above timeframe and structure will be considered by the team but selection is dependent on schedule, logistics and other proposals.

Submit your proposals via PheedLoop (APLA Conference 2026) by March 20, 2026.

You will be asked to include the following information:

  • Title
  • Type: Pre-Conference Workshop, 45 Minute Presentation, Half-hour Presentation, Panel, Micro Talk
  • Name, title, institution of presenter(s)
  • Two-sentence bio of the presenter(s)
  • Abstract (250 words or less)
  • Language of presentation
  • Contact information including email and phone number.

Presenters will be notified by March 31, 2026, via email, if they are selected to present at the conference.

Presenters are responsible for their own registration, lodging, and travel.

We request that presenters make their presentations available on the conference website.

Questions? Email conference@apla.ca for more information.

———————————————————-

Appel de propositions

L’équipe de la Conférence de l’APLA 2026 vous lance un appel de propositions pour notre conférence annuelle en personne du 15 au 18 juin, 2026.

Notre thème est : Ensemble nous prospérons : Soutenir les bibliothèques et les communautés

Le personnel de bibliothèque est habitué à gérer des situations difficiles, et ces dernières années leur en a présenté plus que leur juste part. Dans le cadre de notre thème cette année, nous sollicitons des propositions qui mettent en évidence les façons dont les professionnels de bibliothèque de toutes variétés s’unissent pour relever des défis (petits ou grands), trouver des solutions, et continuent à aider et grandir avec nos communautés.

Nous souhaitons connaître le point de vue des personnes étudiantes, bibliothèques publiques, bibliothèques universitaires, bibliothèques scolaires, bibliothèques de santé, bibliothèques spécialisées, archives, organisations à but non lucratif, services/organisations d’aide aux personnes étudiant.es, groupes communautaires et bien d’autres encore!

Nous sollicitions des présentations dans les catégories suivantes:

  • Atelier pré-conférence (durée à être déterminée)
  • Présentation de 45 minutes (45 min avec 10 min additionnelles pour questions)
  • Présentation d’une demi-heure (20 min avec 10 min additionnelles pour questions)
  • Table ronde interactive (45 minutes)
  • Présentation éclairs (5-10 minutes)

Les propositions qui ne respectent pas les critères du temps et de la structure ci-dessus seront quand même considérées par le comité. Cependant, elles dépendront des plages horaires disponibles, la logistique, et des autres propositions reçues.

Soumettez vos propositions, par l’entremise de PheedLoop, (APLA Conference 2026) d’ici le 20 mars, 2026

Veuillez inclure les informations suivantes :

  • Titre
  • Type: Atelier pré-conférence ; Présentation de 45 minutes, présentation d’une demi-heure ; Table ronde ; Présentation éclair
  • Nom, titre, et institutions des personnes conférencières
  • Une biographie de deux phrases des personnes conférencières
  • Résumé (250 mots ou moins)
  • Langue de la présentation
  • Coordonnées, y compris : courriel et numéro de téléphone.

Les personnes conférencières seront avisé(e)s d’ici le 31 mars, 2026, par courriel, si leurs présentations ont été sélectionnées.

Les personnes conférencières sont responsable de leurs propre frais d’inscription et de déplacement.

Nous demandons aux personnes qui présentent de rendre disponibles leurs présentations sur le site web de la conférence.

Questions? Contactez conference@apla.ca pour de plus amples renseignements.

 

Registration is now open for the APLA 2026 Conference!

This year’s theme is Together We Thrive: Sustaining Libraries and Communities.

Library workers are no strangers to handling challenging situations, and the last few years have brought more than their fair share. Join us to explore how library professionals of all kinds come together to work through challenges big or small, figure things out, and continue to help and grow with our communities.

Event Details
Dates: June 15 – June 17, 2026
Location: Delta Dartmouth Hotel
Accommodations: APLA conference attendees can book accommodations at a discounted rate at the Delta until May 14 at 11:59pm.
Registration: Register to attend on the APLA conference website. Early bird pricing is available until April 17 at 11:59pm.

Registration Rates

Category Early Bird Regular Notes
Members $325 $425
Non-Members $425 $525
Student/Unemployed $125 $175 Early Bird limited to 20 spots
Day Rate $165 Includes one evening event (Opening Reception or Bingo/Trivia)
Speaker $325 Early Bird Member rate (no additional discount)

Questions? Please email conferencesales@apla.ca

 

The Sackville Public Library is too small, and local leaders are looking to fix that with a bigger, better space to serve a growing local population.

The current library is “a far cry” from the 8,200 square feet recommended by the provincial library service, said board chair Merrill Fullerton.

With the basement of the library only accessible by stairs, that leaves the main floor of the small building to host the library’s books, public computer workstations, circulation desk and programming areas.

“We’re only talking about usable space of about 2,600 [square feet],” Fullerton said, “so we’re a fraction of where we should be.”

Continue reading “New Brunswick: Sackville library looks toward a future in a bigger, more accessible space” →

The board of trustees for Saint John’s public libraries is calling for more security after its branches have seen an increase in safety-related incidents which have, in some cases, left staff afraid to be at work.

“That’s the hard part because we are a community area where people come to either read or take part in some of our programs,” said Johanne McInnis, who chairs of the board.

“We should be a safe environment for our patrons as well as our staff.”

Continue reading “New Brunswick: Saint John libraries board seeks extra security as safety incidents spike” →

In our commitment to transparency and to supporting Nova Scotia’s arts and culture community, we have prepared and sent an open letter this morning to the Premier and Members of the Nova Scotia Legislature regarding the proposed provincial budget cuts.

We encourage you to share the attached letter and social posts widely within your libraries and throughout your communities.

__________

March 6, 2026

Open Letter Regarding Proposed Provincial Budget Cuts in Nova Scotia

Dear Premier Houston,

The news of the impending cuts, specifically towards arts and culture, to the Nova Scotia provincial budget was met with distress and disbelief by the members of our association. APLA represents approximately 400 library workers and library supporters across the Atlantic region. I am writing on their behalf to ask that you reconsider the proposed cuts to these sectors that are not only foundational for the community, but are critical to our regional economy.

The importance of arts and culture in our province cannot be overstated. Art programs and cultural organizations are crucial to lifelong learning and skills development for Nova Scotians of all ages. The loss of community arts programming, especially youth-focused education initiatives, will narrow access to creative learning opportunities across the province. Beyond the immediate impact on these sectors, these cuts threaten long-term negative impacts on cultural life, social cohesion and the broader economy of Nova Scotia.

The consequences of these cuts will be felt immediately in our libraries. All libraries – public, academic, special – rely on a vibrant local publishing ecosystem to build collections that reflect Nova Scotian voices and stories. Reductions to publishing grants and cultural funding weaken the very supply chain that sustains literacy, local authorship, and access to diverse Canadian content in our communities. While the Minister of Community, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage stated that “library funding was not cut”, the elimination of emergency bridge funding effectively reduces operational capacity, particularly for rural and regional libraries already managing rising costs of library materials. For many communities, even modest funding losses translate into reduced hours, fewer programs, delayed acquisitions, and staffing shortages. Libraries and arts organizations operate in partnership; when cultural programming shrinks, libraries are left to absorb increased demand with fewer resources.

While we acknowledge the fiscal pressures facing the province, it is difficult to accept that reductions to arts funding  represent prudent long-term solutions. Cost savings achieved through deep cuts – specifically to arts and culture, are offset by broader economic and social consequences. The question must be asked: will the projected savings outweigh the cultural vibrance and energy of local publishers, theatres, galleries, and festivals? Youth will lose access to creative and educational opportunities. Emerging writers and artists may be forced to leave the province in search of sustainable support. The arts sector contributes significant GDP and supports thousands of jobs across Nova Scotia. Weakening this sector undermines not only Nova Scotia’s cultural vibrancy but economic adaptability.

The concerns we raise here are shared widely across the sectors we help to promote, and the communities we serve. We respectfully urge you to reconsider these proposed cuts, recognizing the profound and lasting impact they would have on individuals, artists, organizations and the broader economy of Nova Scotia. We thank you for your attention to this matter and remain ready to engage in constructive dialogue toward a resolution.

Sincerely,

Terri Winchcombe
APLA President

The Atlantic Provinces Library Association administers the Carin Alma E. Somers Scholarship Trust. The trust provides an annual scholarship in her name to assist a Canadian citizen who is an Atlantic Provinces resident needing financial assistance to undertake or complete the academic requirements leading to a master’s degree in library science and information studies. The program must be accredited by the American Library Association. Applicants must be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited program. The terms of the scholarship restrict eligibility to residents of Atlantic Canada. Funds are awarded on a competitive basis and financial need is a consideration.

Application, including supporting documentation should be submitted by March 31, to the attention of the Vice-President/President Elect at president-elect@cna.nl.ca

Carin Somers Scholarship Application

——
La Atlantic Provinces Library Association gère la Bourse d’études postsecondaires Carin Alma E. Somers Scholarship Trust. À chaque année, le fonds distribue une bourse en son nom afin de venir en aide à un citoyen ou une citoyenne canadien(ne) qui réside dans une des provinces de l’Atlantique et qui a besoin d’aide financière pour entreprendre ou terminer la maîtrise en bibliothéconomie. Le boursier ou la boursière est accepté(e) au programme de la maîtrise en bibliothéconomie dans une institution postsecondaire accréditée par la American Library Association.

Les critères de la bourse limitent la participation aux résidant(e)s du Canada Atlantique. La bourse est offerte sur une base compétitive et les besoins financiers sont considerés.

Les demandes avec documents à l’appui doivent être soumises d’ici le 31 mars et envoyées à l’adresse suivante: VP, President Elect president-elect@apla.ca

La Bourse Carin Alma E. Somer

Change is coming to Halifax’s North Memorial Public Library where no significant renovations have been completed since its opening in 1966.

The $34.5 million project will modernize the library, lining up the building’s accessibility features with the Rick Hansen Foundation’s gold standards and improving the building’s energy efficiency.

“It is a major renovation but our goal is to keep it familiar to the community,” said Megan Gainer, director of facilities with Halifax Public Libraries.

Gainer said the library has about 1,000 users per day with only one program room and one small meeting room, both of which are booked around the clock. The renovations will double the space accessed by the public by making use of the building’s lower level which has become a private area for library services such as the IT department.

“The plan is to actually take over that whole lower level again and give it back to the public,” Gainer said.

The project’s design is being guided by public input to ensure the library’s historic and community value is preserved through the renovations.

The library was built around the same time African Nova Scotians were displaced from the city’s historic Africville community. It became an important community space and saw the birth of the Black History Association in 1987. The library continues to be important to the community today; in 2019, the space was used to discuss illegal and discriminate street checks by police.

“The residents were displaced, they were put into a home that didn’t feel like home, and so they really turned the library into their home,” Gainer said. “We want to make sure that it remains that familiar anchor within the community, so things will change but things will also stay the same.”

The project is still in its design phase which is expected to wrap up this year. The plan is to begin renovations in 2027 with a 2029 completion. During that time the building will be closed but a separate, temporary location will be leased nearby so the public can continue to have library access.

A community engagement session will be held at the library on Saturday, Feb. 28 from noon to 4 p.m. to discuss the project and receive feedback from the community. There is also a survey available on the project’s website.

Source: CBC Nova Scotia