Can public libraries survive as an institution in the digital age?
CBC Radio | Posted: April 29, 2016 12:32 PM | Last Updated: May 2, 2016
On April 27, Newfoundland and Labrador announced it will be closing over half of its libraries, due to budget cuts.
The viability of libraries in the digital age have some people questioning the need for libraries as books are accessible online and don't need an institution to provide a service.
In 2011, a poll found that 84 per cent of Canadians support funding public libraries. Those who continue to support libraries argue the role of the library goes beyond books — it's a place for community, for shelter and has great resources to help people in difficult times.
With city budgets in constant need of budget cuts, should the institution be saved or are libraries in this digital age obsolete?
- Beth Jefferson, co-founder and CEO of Bibliocommons in Toronto.
- Paul Takala, CEO of Hamilton Public Library.
- Bruce Fiske, social worker for the Millennium Library in Winnipeg.
What do you want from your local public library? What would you miss most if it closed?
This segment was produced by The Current's Sarah Grant, Julian Uzielli and Paula Last.