No more local libraries: Closures reshape access in rural Nova Scotia

Protestor holds up “save our libraries” sign in Kentville (Paul Hollingsworth/CTV News).

KENTVILLE, N.S. - Libraries are usually quiet, but this week dozens of protesters gathered in Kentville, N.S., to loudly voice their displeasure over the closure of five small-town libraries in N.S.’s Annapolis Valley.

“I go there every week to get books out,” said new mother Mairi McGuire, while holding her baby. “It’s a way to get out of the house and meet other parents and give my kids a space to engage with books.”

In July, libraries in Kentville, Lawrencetown, Port Williams, Hantsport and Middleton will close.

A big portion of Library funding in N.S. comes from the provincial department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

In a statement to CTV News a department spokesperson said, “we know how much libraries matter to Nova Scotians. That’s why we provide more than $16 million each year in support — and why government protected that funding in this year’s budget.”

“Losing a local library is difficult, and we understand what these branches mean to the communities they serve.” The spokesperson added, “as an independently governed regional library system, these decisions rest with the Annapolis Valley Regional Library’s board. The Province respects that and remains a committed partner.”

The N.S. government also disclosed the most recent increase to annual operating funds for public libraries came in 2020–21, when funds jumped by $2.1 million, bringing the total to $16,471,300 annually.

But according to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library’s board, that level of funding is not enough, causing the five libraries to soon close.

Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) spokesperson Bill VanGorder called the closures a setback for N.S’s aging population.

“Libraries just aren’t a place for seniors to get books,” said VanGorder. “They are a meeting place, a learning place, an educational place and an information place.”

Municipality of the County of Kings Mayor Dave Corkum said it’s also a cultural setback for the almost 70,000 people who live in the area.

“We are very disappointed because libraries mean a lot to the area,” said Corkum. He added that the municipality will search for ways for people to access books when the libraries close.

Corkum said one option, is for the nearby Nova Scotia Community Colleges to open their facilities to the public.

“I know that there’s a library at Kings Tech community college and it’s a situation where people could take out books,” he said.

Corkum also pointed out the municipality already commits close to $500,000 for public libraries and cannot afford to offer more support. He wants to explore fundraising and corporate support options to save all five libraries.