Houston government must better support local libraries

HALIFAX – Today, Susan Leblanc, Official Opposition Critic for Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage, made the following statement in response to the Nova Scotia Library Association’s concerns about funding shortfalls for local libraries:

“Libraries are essential community hubs, offering services that go beyond books. They’re a place for families and friends to gather, seniors to access computers, and people to connect with the resources they need. Neither the previous Liberal government nor the Progressive Conservative government have given local libraries the support they need, freezing funding while costs have skyrocketed. Libraries across the province are facing tough choices that could mean cutting hours, staff and programs.

The services libraries provide are needed now more than ever for education, access to food, job hunting, and community connection. While Nova Scotians have been struggling with rising costs, including power bills, rents, and groceries, the Houston government is not helping make life any easier.

The Houston government needs to work with libraries throughout the province to ensure they have the resources they need to provide the vital programming they offer, while expanding hours of operation and ensuring that staff make a living wage."

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