Libraries and their supporters across the Quad Counties are continuing to ask for community support to help keep programs and services afloat.
It was last year when the province denied a request for a sustainable funding and according to libraries this means cuts.
In a statement the Eastern Counties Regional Libraries (ECRL) says, libraries across the province have been working diligently to increase awareness of funding issues with local politicians but need public help.
“ECRL needs as many people as possible to complete their Community Engagement Survey. Without question the Board is likely to face a tough budgeting process, we want to ensure we have key information about the community’s priorities and concerns,” says the statement.
You are also encouraged to share your library story.
Friends of Antigonish Library (FOAL) are also part of the fight and wrote a letter to the premier and local politicians to keep libraries thriving but say they have not received a response.
In an interview with our newsroom, Board member Molly MacIsaac tells us what libraries provide to people.
“It’s so much more than just lending out physical copies of books today. They provide programs for infants all the way up to seniors,” shares Molly MacIsaac.
“I think it’s just now more than ever so important that we support these like vital community spaces that are helping not only all community members, but in particular our most vulnerable.”
She says libraries also provide a warm space to go on a cold day, secure internet access and help with your taxes.
In fact, according to FOAL, there were more than 224,026 in-person visits to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library alone in 2025.
With the budget shortfall critical, residents can help by writing letters to local politicians that explain how libraries and their services are important to them.
