*Update Feb 26, 2026*

AVRL has received confirmation that there has been no increase to sustainable library funding for 2026-27. Funding has been maintained at the 2020-2025 levels.

We are waiting for municipal budget decisions to be made in the next several weeks. After that, the AVRL Board will have the information it needs to make decisions about service changes.

Please continue to reach out to your elected representatives and share your reaction to their decision.

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In the spirit of transparency, we are reaching out with a time-sensitive message about public library funding and the risk to public library service in the Annapolis Valley.

Where we are today

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library (AVRL) is facing a critical budget shortfall in 2026. The Bank of Canada’s Inflation Calendar shows that the cost of goods has increased by 43% since 2009*. At the same time, AVRL’s funding has only increased by 10%.

While we remain hopeful that the Spring 2026 Provincial budget will provide the sustainable funding needed to maintain library service, we want to be clear and transparent with our communities about the changes that will occur without it.

What will happen

No sustainable funding will result in the following:

• Reduced service hours

• Fewer new books and resources

• Further program and service reductions

• Possible branch closures

What have we done thus far

Budgetary challenges are not new to public libraries. We are familiar with the concept of “doing more with less”. It has been our unofficial guiding principle for decades. In the face of long-term funding shortfalls, tough choices were made in order to continue operating within budgetary constraints. Since 2015 we have:

• eliminated twelve full-time positions, reducing the staff body by 25%.

• reduced programming by 50%; only core literacy and technology programs remain.

• eliminated bookmobile service and the department in charge of programming and partnerships.

• ran on a deficit budget in 2023-24 and 2024-25

Why AVRL matters

Despite these reductions in staffing and services, library usage is up. Borrowing (circulation) has increased by 30% since 2009 and free public internet access has increased 20% in the last 2 years alone.

These statistics only paint part of the picture. Our communities rely on us for more than books. We are where people go for support, connection, and practical help. We provide access to reliable and accurate information, staff who can help you navigate questions, provide entertainment, lifelong learning opportunities, early literacy development, and a welcoming space for all members of the community.

Libraries are community hubs that are in high demand and we want to be able to provide the services that our communities are asking of us.

Many Annapolis Valley residents face loneliness, affordability, health access, housing, and newcomer needs. Libraries touch every one of these issues.

Libraries are one of the most efficient publicly funded services in our communities. A small investment supports literacy, health, education, economic participation, emergency readiness, and social well-being.

The AVRL by the numbers:

• Open 375 hours per week across 11 library branches

• Circulation of 759,399 items**

• 562,726 website visits**

• 234,399 wifi and computer hours**

• 224,016 in-person visits**

• 26,841 information questions asked **

• 25,529 active members (almost 1 in 4 residents in the Annapolis Valley are actively using their library card)

• 3,723 new cardholders in 2024-25**

• 1,465 programs hosted with 8,698 program attendees (early literacy storytime, tech tutoring, book clubs, and community coffee to name a few)

With stable funding we can keep saying yes to our communities. We want to keep meeting growing demand. We simply need sustainable funding to plan and deliver library services that our communities need and want. With sustainable funding, libraries will remain essential community hubs.

How You Can Help

Contact your local MLA and share your library story. Let them know why the library matters to you. Ask them to support their communities by sustainably funding your public library.

We’ll leave you with a few links to recent media coverage:

Public libraries struggle to balance books CBC Radio’s Mainstreet February 17, 2026

Annapolis Valley Regional Library needs more funding to avoid cuts in 2026-27 Valley Register, January 2, 2026

Maritime Noon Today’s phone-in: Our conversation today is about public libraries and why they matter to us. Our guests are Ashley Nunn-Smith – the CEO and Chief Librarian for the South Shore Public Libraries. And Julia Merritt – the CEO of the Annapolis Valley Regional Library. CBC Radio, December 9, 2025

N.S. libraries ask users to contact MLAs, municipalities about impending cuts CBC News, November 25, 2025

Thank you for your continued support.

*Based on the Bank of Canada’s Inflation Calculator

**AVRL’s 2024/25 fiscal year totals