Friends of Antigonish Library (FoAL) say it would be a shame and real loss to the community if hours, services, and programs get reduced.
The non-profit sent a letter to the premier and local politicians including MLA Michelle Thompson, wardens, and councillors asking for better funding to keep libraries accessible and thriving.
The request was made after the province denied creating a sustainable funding plan.
Board member Molly MacIsaac explained to our newsroom how the library has many services, including programs for infants, children, seniors and newcomers, a community fridge, and free meeting rooms.
“Access to a safe, warm indoor space, free internet, tax help. The library has become so much to so many people. It’s really amazing,” she shared.
“If they were to start cutting programs, like I think all of them are just so well used, well attended, and I think it would be a real lost to our community and to members of the public for sure.”
Along with borrowing books, residents can access programs that help to reduce loneliness and connect people to one another, according to MacIssac.
“I think that’s also essential, maybe a little more underrated, but something the library does so well for myself,” she says.
“I’ve definitely felt the benefits of those [programs], especially when I was in the new postpartum phase. Just connecting with community members and making mom friends for the first time, [so] it was like very essential for me to do that. And, I think that was really key for my own mental health and well-being.”
She encourages concerned patrons to write letters or emails to politicians stating how important libraries are to them and how you use the facilities.
“The Friends of Antigonish Library group is doing really awesome work. They were really involved in, like campaigning for and making the actual library we have here in Antigonish happen,” said MacIsaac.
If people are interested in joining the group, she says to reach out to them on Facebook or through email as they’re always looking for more membership and energy.
