By The Canadian Press

Saskatchewan government restores $4.8 million funding to libraries

Apr 24, 2017 | 4:39 PM

REGINA – The Saskatchewan government says it made a mistake and will restore $4.8 million in funding for the province’s libraries.

Money for regional branches was cut 58 per cent in last month’s provincial budget and was scrapped altogether for libraries in Saskatoon and Regina.

Education Minister Don Morgan says restoring the funding means an inter-library loan service allowing people to borrow books from any library can remain operational.

Morgan says people spoke out loudly and clearly about keeping the inter-library program.

There were a number of protests since the cut was announced. Libraries announced the transfers would be eliminated and staff were laid off.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

Apr 18, 2024

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

Morgan says the $4.8 million could come out of a contingency fund in the provincial budget or from other efficiencies within the ministry, but he says there won’t be other cuts made to libraries.

(The Canadian Press)