Annapolis Valley libraries slated for closure will stay open until end of September

Five libraries in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley that were set to permanently close their doors next week have been handed a reprieve.

Annapolis Valley libraries slated for closure will stay open until end of September Library board decides to dip into its reserve funds 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.

Annapolis Valley libraries reconsidering imminent branch closures Annapolis Valley libraries closing 5 branches, cites static provincial funding 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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