June 2, 2026
After the Annapolis Valley Regional Library announced it will be forced to close five branches this summer due to provincial funding cuts, the Nova Scotia Liberals are calling on the Houston government to reverse course before more communities lose access to vital library services.
Libraries are essential community hubs that support literacy, learning, and social connection. The closures are the latest example of the impact provincial budget cuts are having on communities across Nova Scotia.
These closures are an attack on literacy and a major loss for the communities that rely on these spaces every day,” said Derek Mombourquette, Liberal Critic for Communities, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage. “Libraries are more than buildings filled with books – they are places where people learn, connect, and access important services.”
The importance of community spaces like libraries was recognized by the Mass Casualty Commission, which highlighted the need for governments to invest in community infrastructure that supports public safety, wellbeing, and violence prevention.
“The Houston government should be strengthening community resources, not cutting them,” said Mombourquette. “These closures are devastating for the Annapolis Valley, and we’re concerned this could be the beginning of a broader trend across the province unless the government steps in and restores funding. Nova Scotians shouldn’t have to watch essential community services disappear because of this government’s budget choices.”