Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library
The Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library (PARL) is primarily funded through provincial government grants and municipal support. This public funding is essential, and it allows us to offer free access to books, technology, programs, and welcoming spaces across our region.
However, current provincial funding is not sufficient to maintain library services at their current level.
Community donations help us bridge the gap during this period of uncertainty and continue serving our neighbours with care, fairness, and accessibility.
Learn more about current funding challenges and the projected service changes coming to your library.
For many people in our region, the library is essential public infrastructure. PARL provides:
When library services are reduced, the impact is felt most by those with the fewest alternatives.
PARL is funded primarily through provincial government grants, with additional support from municipalities. This public funding model exists to ensure that library services remain free, stable, and accessible to everyone.
However, current provincial funding levels are not sufficient to maintain services at their current level. Community support allows us to maintain hours, staffing, programs, and access during an uncertain period, but it cannot replace sustained public investment.
Ways you can support your local public library branch in your community:
A financial contribution helps us continue providing essential services during an uncertain funding period.
Every gift supports:
- Free access for all
- Programs that strengthen literacy and learning
- Community spaces that foster connection
Your donation makes a difference, right here at home
Your support helps keep library services accessible and responsive to local needs during a time of funding uncertainty.
Examples of impact:
- $25 helps support free children’s programs and early literacy activities
- $50 helps maintain access to digital resources and online learning tools
- $100 helps support public computer access, Wi-Fi, and technology assistance
- $250+ helps sustain hours, staffing, and core services across our communities
Every contribution, large or small, helps ensure that our neighbours continue to have access to trusted library services.
Donate securely through CanadaHelps
Donations are processed securely through CanadaHelps, a trusted Canadian charity platform. You will receive an automatic tax receipt for eligible donations.
Drop by (online or in person) & borrow a book, movie, audiobook, map, or take part in one of our many free library programs.
We have several volunteer positions that help us with Outreach Services, such as Home-Bound book deliveries, our Friends of the Library groups, and our Library Board.
Contact Regional Library Headquarters to learn more about volunteer opportunities: phone 902-755-6031 or toll free 1-866-779-7761, or email info@parl.ns.ca.
Public libraries exist because communities believe access to information and learning is a public good.
You can help by encouraging your provincial elected representatives to prioritize library services in the provincial budget.
Your voice matters.
What you can do:
- Contact your MLA and share why the library matters to you
- Ask the provincial government to increase and stabilize library funding
- Share PARL’s funding challenges with friends and neighbours
- Learn more here: Let's Talk Libraries | What We Heard
PARL is committed to transparency, responsible stewardship of public and donated funds, and serving our communities with care and integrity.
We believe that strong public libraries are an investment in education, equity, and community wellbeing, especially in rural regions.
With your support and advocacy, we can work toward a future where library services are secure, sustainable, and accessible for everyone.
Public libraries are essential services designed to be funded collectively, not privately.
Government funding provides the stable, long-term support needed to operate library buildings, employ professional staff, and ensure equitable access across urban and rural communities. Donations, while deeply appreciated, are typically short-term and variable.
Community contributions help bridge gaps and protect services during challenging times-- but strong, predictable public funding is what keeps library services sustainable for the future.
Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library is a non-profit organization with charitable status; we can provide income tax receipts for monetary donations.
As a thank you for your gift, we also offer bookplates in your name. Gifts may be specified in support of library collections, or materials.
For further information, please call our Regional Library Headquarters (755-6031 or 1-866-779-7761), or email info@parl.ns.ca.