Houston budget forces library closures, hurts rural communities: NDP

HALIFAX – Today, Susan Leblanc, NSNDP Critic for Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage made the following statement about the closure of five libraries in the Annapolis Valley:

“The closure of five libraries in the Valley is devastating news for the families and communities who rely on these essential public spaces. Workers are losing good jobs, and Nova Scotians are the ones paying the price for the Houston government’s short-sighted decisions and cruel cuts. Libraries across the province have been raising the alarm about the difficult funding situation the Houston government has put them in. Now, they’ve been left with a massive funding shortfall and no choice but to close branches.

Nova Scotians want this government to fund libraries and the essential services and resources they offer. Libraries are important public spaces that, in addition to books and other literacy tools, provide community resources, are a lifeline to seniors, a place for teens to connect, and for families to get support. As the cost of living has grown, libraries have never been more important to families. The loss of these five libraries is devastating and will be felt across the region. The Houston government should urgently address library funding so these branches can stay open.”

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