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Province asks for public help in library review, roundtables scheduled

Three months after backing down on the goal to eliminate 54 of the province's public libraries, the provincial government is asking for the public's help in its library review.

Series of discussions to be held with public, consulting firm and steering committee

Ryan Cooke · CBC News ·
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is asking for the public's help in reviewing the public library system.

Three months after backing down on the goal to eliminate 54 of the province's public libraries, the Newfoundland and Labrador government is asking for the public's help in a review.

From Oct. 5 to Nov. 7, a series of 10 roundtable discussions will take place across the province, and the review board will be meeting with locals. There will also be online surveys and the option for written submissions.

The goal is to understand the full impact of libraries on the community, said Education Minister Dale Kirby.

Minister of Education Dale Kirby says he wants to encourage residents to take part in the review of the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Library system. (Gary Locke/CBC)

"Our government believes that libraries are important to communities and the people of this province," Kirby said in a press release Friday morning.

"We want to improve library services for the people of this province, so residents are encouraged to participate in this review."

The discussions will be led by EY — formerly Ernst and Young, an international consulting firm.

It will be assisted by the review's steering committee, consisting of three members of the provincial government and three members of the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board.

Participants will be asked to discuss the role of libraries in their communities, as well as look for areas of improvement.

When and where

The discussions will take place at the following communities:

  • Bay Roberts (Amalgamated Academy), Oct. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • St. John's (A.C. Hunter Library), Oct. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Marystown (Sacred Heart Elementary), Oct. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Clarenville (Clarenville High School), Oct. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Springdale (Riverwood Inn), Oct. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Grand Falls-Windsor (Arts and Cultures Centre), Oct. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Twillingate (United Church Hall), Oct. 20, 1-3 p.m.
  • Rocky Harbour (Gros Morne Academy), Oct. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Stephenville (Kindale Public Library), Oct. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Labrador City (Lab City Public Library), Nov. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m

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