Supporting and Growing Our Public Library System
Year: 2024
Resolution
WHEREAS, libraries have been central to communities for hundreds of years, creating a safe space for children and adults to read and learn regardless of their socio- economic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, libraries can be counted on to provide the resources to answer many important questions; give access to reading materials for those who cannot afford to purchase them; and an internet connection for information, banking, communications, job searches, and accessing and filling out government forms; and
WHEREAS, libraries do much more than house books, libraries offer programs such as the Single Integrated Library System (SILS), preschool programs, reading programs, book clubs, story time, summer reading programs, and seniors’ programs to name a few.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan adequately fund the public library system to keep pace with inflation, current trends and technologies, in addition to ensuring that both large and small community libraries can meet the programming and educational needs that are an integral part of library programming and services to their communities.
Provincial Response
Dear Randy Goulden:
Thank you for your letter regarding the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) resolution regarding support for the public library system adopted by the membership at the 119th Annual Convention.
The Government of Saskatchewan appreciates the important role that Saskatchewan municipalities play in the support of public libraries. Equitable library services, resource sharing and a strong provincial public library system are a vital part of our infrastructure and integral to our vision for the future of the province.
Our government provides resource sharing grants to public library systems in the province to support universal access to library services for all Saskatchewan residents. The amount announced in Saskatchewan's 2024-25 budget for public library systems is $11.6 million. This funding supports resource sharing grants, CommunityNet and important services delivered by public libraries, such as services for people with print disabilities.
I appreciate you taking the time to reach out and share the resolutions adopted by your membership around public library services in Saskatchewan.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Cockrill
Minister of Education
