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Five libraries in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley that were set to permanently close their doors next week have been handed a reprieve.
In a special meeting held in Wolfville on Monday evening, the board of Annapolis Valley Regional Library decided to use half its reserve funds — about $80,000 — to keep the libraries open until Sept. 30.
About 60 people packed the Wolfville town council chambers to take in the discussion.
“It’s very encouraging. It’s a real testament to the relationship that the public has with their libraries,” said Julia Merritt, CEO of Annapolis Valley Regional Library.
The library board had asked municipalities for $351,000 in top-up funding earlier this year to keep the libraries in Hantsport, Kentville, Lawrencetown, Port Williams and Middleton open until the end of the 2026-27 fiscal year.
About a third of that was committed, but that still leaves more than $200,000 to cover.
The board said it will now repeat its request to local municipalities.
“I’m very cognizant we are putting our municipalities in an awkward position and a difficult position,” said board member Emily Lutz, a councillor with the County of Kings.
The Nova Scotia government has said it will not contribute any more funding.
Merritt said even if they get the requested $351,000 to keep the branches open until next spring, a $50,000 shortfall remains.
The board will decide its next steps in mid-September.
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