Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library

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Library Funding Update Let's Talk Libraries

The Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library will always be clear and transparent to our library users and communities.

The Province of Nova Scotia released its 2026/2027 budget February 23, 2026. There is much pain for the non-profit community as a whole.

The Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library Board is not immune. Despite the Minister of Community, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage’s assurances that “library funding did not get cut” (CBC February 25, 2026) the statement is not entirely accurate. The Minister is describing core operational funding that has not changed for 7 years. For three years the department has provided emergency bridge funding to libraries to cope with minimum wage increases and inflation. For Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library this amounts to $134,600 extra for salaries and books. This was not included in the budget and represents a loss to the operational budget of the Board.

As the Board moves into the new fiscal year, starting April 1st, it will have to recognize this reduction in available operational funding. The Board will set its budget next month and have more information then.

Read the full message from our Library Board Chair & Chief Librarian here: A Letter to Our Valued Library Users & Partners [PDF]

Let's Talk Libraries: The Public Response

What We Heard from You

How is your public library funded?
How much does it cost?
What do I get?

Your local public library, or library service, is part of the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library. The Regional Library is a not-for-profit independent organization formed by provincial legislation to provide equitable library access in our two counties.

Your regional library is funded by:

• Provincial grant: 66%

• Municipal grant: 29%*

• Local fundraising by the regional library: 5%

* Municipalities also pay for their specific library’s maintenance, heat, lights, etc.

Some may tell you that public libraries receive millions in funding from the province. But it actually amounts to $21.62 from the province, per year, per resident, of Antigonish and Pictou Counties. The price of a paperback. This amount has not changed in six years.

At the same time inflation has increased by 21% and the minimum wage by 31%, which is why we now face hard choices without sustainable funding from the Province of Nova Scotia. We are very grateful the province provided bridge funding this year, but it was one-time only. Sustainable funding is required.

What do I get for $21.62 a year?

• To choose from over a million books across the province, in print and online.
• Thousands of magazines, newspapers, and much more, in print and online.
• Internet access, computer access, printing, fax, WIFI.
• In-person assistance from expert, well-trained library staff.
• Help accessing online government and commercial services.
• Some of the best library open hours in the province.
• A Borrow by Mail service for rural and remote residents.
• Friendly, warm, safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.
• Educational and inspiring programs for all ages.
• Meeting and gathering spaces for hundreds of non-profit groups and organizations.

How you can help:

Contact your local MLA.

Hon. Tim Houston, Premier and MLA for Pictou East
2042-2 Queen Street, Westville, NS, B0K 2A0
Phone: 902-695-3582 | E-mail: pictoueastamanda@gmail.com

Hon. Michelle Thompson, Minister and MLA for Antigonish
325 Main St., Suite 222, Antigonish, NS B2G 2C3
Phone: 902-863-4266 | E-mail: michellethompsonmla@gmail.com

Danny MacGillivray, MLA for Pictou Centre
342 Stewart St, New Glasgow, NS B2H 2R7
Phone: 902-752-3646 | E-mail: dannymla@bellaliant.com

Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West
37 Water Street, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
Phone: 902-485-8958 | E-mail: info@marcomacleod.com