The provincial government is reviewing the province’s library system.
A panel led by Canora-Pelly MLA Terry Dennis will talk to the eight regional libraries and three independent municipal libraries about roles and responsibilities between the province, libraries and municipalities; the legislation governing the system; the impact of fiscal pressures experienced by the system; and the future of libraries.
“We want to find out what’s working well and what are some things that could be addressed,” said Clint Repski, the assistant deputy minister of education.
In April 2017, the province announced in its budget a $3.5 million decrease to the regional libraries, leaving them with a budget of $2.5 million. The Wapiti Regional Library saw a 58 per cent cut – about $400,000. Library officials said there were no consultations with the province before the cuts were made.
After a province-wide public outcry, those cuts were completely reversed, but the government promised a review of the system.
Besides Dennis, the panel will include the provincial librarian, a representative of the municipal system and a representative of the regional library system.
Public consultations will not be part of the panel’s efforts.
“The work of the committee is going to be put together into a report from the legislative secretary that will be given to the minister,” Repski said. “After that report is received by the minister, it will be made public for folks to comment on.”
The panel has not met with Wapiti Regional Library. The Regional Library is asking its member municipalities to send them feedback about the review. That feedback will be included in Wapiti’s submission to the panel.
