Libraries need more government funding, says Holyrood chairperson

I felt it important to add my voice, on behalf of the Holyrood Library Board, to the many who are so vocal concerning the importance of our libraries, and the need for better and more consistent funding. Renowned local author, Robin McGrath, wrote in an April 2024 article for The Northeast Avalon Times that “People have been talking and writing about how underfunded our libraries are for the last few years, but little or nothing is ever done about it.” When the recognition is there on the huge role that libraries play in our communities and society in general, why is the next step-of providing the necessary financial support-such a reluctant one?

While, historically speaking, libraries were primarily for book-borrowing, they have evolved over the years to provide a broad scope of services. Like many community libraries, ours has an extensive book-lending capacity. Patron numbers are at an all-time high, maybe due in part to the rising cost of books, the convenience of libraries, or the fellowship enjoyed when people gather to share. More than likely it’s a combination of all of these factors.

Today we see our libraries welcome, lend, inform, share, teach, gather, provide, host, and outreach. How many more reasons do they need to not only exist but flourish? While most libraries are enjoying increases in population and readership, resources remain the same. At our Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries (NLPL) AGMs, the topic of how libraries are struggling is always high on our agenda. Budgets are stretched to provide even the minimum of services.

Newfoundland and Labrador has always grappled with the geographical constraints imposed upon it, whether it be in the form of transportation, health or education. It follows that literacy in Newfoundland and Labrador has always been a concern and “our adult literacy rates are among the lowest in the country,” according to government’s document, The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. “People with lower literacy skills sometimes are challenged by routine tasks that involve reading, understanding, and computing. In a society requiring greater use of technology, people with lower literacy skills may find it difficult to use a computer to fill out a work application form, pay bills, search for information on the internet or avail of government services.”

One of their mandates to improve this situation includes collaboration with the NLPL. Makes perfect sense. The government document also states libraries will serve to “develop programming to help people strengthen their literacy skill competencies. Parents with stronger literacy skills have better economic security.
Better economic security contributes to healthy child development.” Again, makes perfect sense. But these partnerships need financing. Individuals always search out networks that support their lifestyle: whether a Health and Community based breast-feeding group, like-minded knitters enjoying their craft, a book-club gathering to enjoy a lively debate, the library is a forum for fun, learning, and companionship. Libraries build literacy as they bind communities. Shouldn’t the financial aid they receive reflect being seen as a priority rather than a second thought?

At our Holyrood branch, we are very fortunate to receive financial assistance from the Town of Holyrood. We would not be able to maintain the library as a community hub, meeting diverse needs and extensive programming, if that support was not there. Should it be like that? Absolutely not! However, we are happy and thankful that it is. And, while we appreciate the support from the town, that funding by itself never meets the rising cost of doing business or fulfills the ideal for which we are striving.

Adding my voice to the collective on behalf of the Holyrood Library Board is but a small contribution. The need for continued and improved provincial financial support for our libraries will hopefully prove to be one of our government’s better decisions, going forward. Hopefully we will be able to depend on it.

Sheila Duggan
Chairperson/ Holyrood Library Board