The Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library is warning that a $190,000 funding gap could lead to reduced hours and fewer programs for residents in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, starting in 2026.
Chief Librarian Eric Stackhouse recently told the Antigonish County Council that the library’s current five-year funding agreement will end on March 31, 2026. The provincial government decided to keep library funding at its current level in the most recent budget, which removed temporary financial support that had helped cover costs in previous years.
Stackhouse warned that if this budget gap is not filled, the library will be forced to cut back on services. These changes would likely include shorter operating hours and fewer community programs across the region.
Currently, the provincial government provides approximately $21.62 for every resident to support library operations. Many local families and seniors rely on the library for essential services like internet access and educational tools.
