St. Marys Public Library Board releases statement about Perth South funding changes

The St. Marys Public Library Board recognizes the vital and invaluable role of our local library. Beyond lending books and other items, the library provides a safe space where people can access services at no cost, with no judgement.

For years, we have provided library services to residents in the Township of Perth South at a subsidized rate to ensure free access for all. This means the Board has asked the Township to pay less than it costs for us to deliver library services to its residents.

We have done this because we believe in the importance of literacy and lifelong learning, and that access to our services should not be limited by municipal boundaries.

We learned last week that the Township is planning to significantly reduce its funding allocation to the St. Marys and Stratford Public Libraries. The Township has asked the St. Marys Public Library Board to lower its typical budget request in response to this funding decision.

The Board recognizes that all municipalities - including the Township of Perth South - are under pressure to cut budgets and avoid major tax increases. We, too, are constantly evaluating our services to ensure we are not placing an unnecessary burden on ratepayers.

Nevertheless, after careful review, the Board has decided not to reduce its funding request to the Township. 

Reducing the request would require St. Marys residents to pay even more to ensure Perth South residents can continue to use the library for free. We feel that this would be a fiscally irresponsible decision and an unfair ask of St. Marys residents.

We encourage the Township to reconsider its funding decision so we can continue to provide quality library services at no cost. While libraries are free to access, they are not free to operate, and we believe costs should be shared by all parties in a fair and reasonable way.

Signed,

Cole Atlin

Chair, St. Marys Public Library Board