Cumberland Libraries Saved by the Bell

Cumberland libraries will not have to cut their hours after all. An eleventh hour decision from the Province secures current service levels for at least two years.

The good news came in a press release that suggested the Province would provide special one-time relief for the cash strapped libraries.

Cumberland Libraries will receive 52 thousand dollars which will more than cover the five thousand shortfall for this year, and the thirty thousand deficit anticipated next year.

The Chief Librarian for the county is ecstatic. Denise Corey says, “We will not be cutting library hours.”

The crisis has been averted and the library will enjoy some stability for the next two years.

This marks the second year in a row that the Province is providing what they call "special one time funding".

Meanwhile, the Province is looking at news ways to fund libraries. The old method took population figures into account. However, that did not serve the rural areas of the province which have seen substantial population decline while Halifax continues to draw younger people to the city.

Denise Corey will join us on Six Rivers Radio Thursday morning about 8:45 to discuss the turnaround.

Share this article by clicking your social media links below. You may also rate the article by clicking the stars or respond by adding your two cents worth in the "Leave a comment" section.