The reactions continue to pour in after the latest provincial budget numbers for the 2017-2018 fiscal year for Saskatchewan. One group of residents are feeling devastated after learning the cuts applied to this upcoming budget will greatly affect them.

The latest budget cuts indicate regional libraries in the province will have their funding cut by over half or by $3.5 million. The approximate 59 per cent cut has the government suggesting libraries need to consider bringing in more electronic and downloadable materials, and other forms of media for residents. Although, the official percentage has yet to be determined for the Wheatland Regional Library system.

In a recent statement from Education Minister Don Morgan, he mentioned the province "should be getting out of bricks and mortar libraries” and how “a library may not be a place that should be used as a sanctuary”. His comments on the matter have created tensions from both users and employees of libraries in the province.

"It was a shock and completely devastating," said Kim Hebig, Director for the Wheatland Regional Library "The cuts we will probably have to make are going to leave our libraries and our communities without services and books."

The cuts will not only affect the residents who utilize the facilities, but will have an impact on the employees as well. Due to the expected cuts, workers from the system's headquarters in Saskatoon may lose their jobs, and the losses could only start there. In addition, cuts will be seen in areas such as acquring new materials and transporting them throughout the system, reduction in operating grants, and programs.

"We weren't anticipating this," said Hebig. "We're still in shock mode and just trying to see what we're going to do to stay alive."

Hebig is encouraging residents who are against the budget cuts towards libraries to make their voice heard by contacting a local MLA, Don Morgan, and Premier Brad Wall. "They are the ones that need to be contacting their MLAs to show their displeasure, to show exactly what the library means to them."

Listen to Hebig's comments on the the Minister's statement suggesting libraries should acquire electronic and alternative media instead:

 

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