Libraries remain an essential public service

There have been some recent conversations about how libraries are funded in Alberta and concerns about their sustainability. We know libraries are adapting to many challenges, but they continue to be the heart of every community because they provide a safe, caring and inclusive space for all of us.

An open-door policy at libraries is why those that need the most help keep coming back. From a funding perspective this should be viewed as a positive, necessary investment.

When my children were younger, our happy place to visit was the Woodcroft Library in Edmonton. I so remember the Welcome Baby programs with other new moms and was grateful for the sharing of our experiences with hugs, laughter and the occasional tears. Then there were the summer book programs with puppet shows and crafts all run by incredible, enthusiastic staff. We always left with lots of books. I know these important programs still happen and contribute to healthy communities all over Alberta.

In Alberta, there are over 300 public libraries (this does not include the K-12 libraries) that are part of a provincewide network of seven regional systems and two large urban systems, Edmonton and Calgary. This partnership with municipalities involves co-operation and resource-sharing among all libraries in Alberta.

Through technological innovation and creativity, the smallest library has access to more than 30 million resources. Communities like Neerlandia, Rainbow Lake, Longview, Debolt, Spirit River and Hines Creek, to name a few, are all able to connect online and place interlibrary loan requests. The Government of Alberta funds interlibrary loan management and delivery across Alberta, which is critical, especially for smaller libraries.

Here is a fun fact: every public library in Alberta has Supernet high-speed broadband connection, which is funded by the province. This long-term investment began in 2001 and also supports schools in Alberta. The question is whether the bandwidth can accommodate technology shifts like increased video conferencing needs and who will pay for the upgrades, specifically in rural Alberta.

During my time as minister of Service Alberta, I was happy to be part of a robust consultation about public libraries that took place in 2009, culminating in a final report called, Framework for the Future, Positioning Alberta Libraries for the 21st Century. Former MLAS Jeff Johnson, Fred Horne and Teresa Woo-paw reached out to many stakeholders and provided 18 recommendations centred on integration, provincewide collaboration, innovation and capitalizing on technology. These are all very relevant 10 years later.

A collaborative library policy has been adapted, as well as the resource sharing between all libraries in Alberta, which includes digital access. There are other opportunities available, like encouraging public libraries and schools to work together on student supports, co-location, staffing, literacy, and sharing of resources like video conferencing. This involves a cross-government approach with Education, Advanced Education, Service Alberta and partnerships with school boards, municipalities, and library boards. At the time this 2009 report was released, it noted that 57 public libraries were already sharing facilities with school libraries and I am hopeful that this number has increased. This method will find efficiencies and could allow some school libraries to be open in the summer in remote parts of Alberta.

The Edmonton and Calgary public libraries are also responding to the diverse needs of vulnerable clients and newcomers with outreach workers who help connect them with information and appropriate social agencies. This also includes building awareness and understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action with the senior Indigenous relations adviser and other stakeholders at Edmonton Public Library (EPL).

The CEO of EPL, Pilar Martinez, said in the 2018 annual report that even with the digital age, “libraries are thriving like never before as community hubs that provide learning, literacy and access to information for everyone.”

Libraries are the community touchstone where you will always feel welcome, no matter where you are from. We need to make sure these doors stay open across Alberta.