Article content“The existing (65-year-old) building has run its course. … We’ve done enough studies. I don’t think I need another study on a library. What we need is decision making.”Article contentFIXES TO FUNDING FORMULAArticle contentAn announcement of a new central library would also come at a crucial time for the Cape Breton Regional Library, as numerous library boards across the province have been urging the province for more long-term and sustainable funding.Article contentIn a report prepared by regional librarian Lisa Mulak, and presented to council by board vice-chair and District 11 Coun. Darren O’Quinn, libraries receive cost-sharing funding from the province (71 per cent), municipalities (26 per cent of funding), while library boards chip in just three per cent.Article content“And that three per cent, we have to (fundraise) ourselves,” O’Quinn said.Article contentFrom that formula, the Cape Breton Regional Library received $1.93 million in funding from the province, with the CBRM contributing $706,900 and the library board chipping $81,800. From 2019 to now, the province funded $2.05 million to the regional library, the CBRM added $751,800, along with the library board’s $86,800.Article contentArticle content Darren O’Quinn, CBRM councillor for District 11 and Cape Breton Regional Library board chair: “That three per cent (from the library board), we have to (fundraise) ourselves.” Photo by CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentThose increases amounted to just six per cent each, the report noted, adding that “increases in the minimum wage and the cumulative impact of inflation have significantly outpaced this limited growth in funding.”Article content“The library board would welcome any support from (the) CBRM in urging the province to establish a multi-year, sustainable funding agreement,” the report read. “Such an agreement is critical to enabling libraries to plan effectively for the future and continue delivering high-quality, accessible services to the public.”Article contentTHRIVING LIBRARIESArticle contentThe report also explained that while library branches in Glace Bay, Ingonish Beach, Louisbourg, New Waterford, Reserve Mines and North Sydney have thrived with upgraded facilities, Baddeck and the library board are aiming to “continue to work in partnership toward the development of a new Baddeck branch that will better meet the needs of local residents.”Article contentArticle contentDistrict 1 Coun. Gordon MacDonald, however, noted the absence of the Martha Hollett Memorial Library in Sydney Mines in the report and inquired why it was not included.Article content“It probably just slipped through the cracks,” O’Quinn responded, adding he will get back to him with information.Article contentDistrict 5 Coun. Eldon MacDonald, a former library board chair, said adjustments to the library funding formula are crucial to keeping the library workforce going.Article content“At this point in time, we haven’t had any successes in (getting funding) increases,” he told council. “But (with) the pressures coming on to libraries across Nova Scotia, we are going to be seeing layoffs if something isn’t done in regarding to funding formulas improving.”Article content
Decision on new Cape Breton central library to come at special CBRM council meeting next week
