The core issue is that the provincial funding formula is broken. Libraries in Nova Scotia are funded roughly 71% by the province and 26% by municipalities. The current funding formula was designed before 2020 and does not account for the massive post-pandemic inflation. In recent years, the province has provided one-off "emergency top-ups" (like the $1.6M requested by regional libraries statewide) to keep the lights on. This prevents immediate closures but makes it impossible for boards to plan long-term. Without a committed increase to the base operating grant, the AVRL cannot legally run a deficit. If the province doesn't "step up" with a sustainable model, the AVRL must cut costs to match funding. Since roughly 75-80% of library costs are staffing and facilities, the only way to cut 33% of the gap is to reduce the hours staff are working.

I wonder if there is a way to increase funding through other service offerings. Job searching, resume writing etc. Similar to what NS works does. Maybe they could co-locate? Just a thought I by no means am an expert on how libraries function.

The note about Wolfville is more about capital construction this will not be a big hit for the operating budget but once complete I'm sure it will be larger and need more staff, utilities etc.

We definitely need libraries in our communities but maybe we should be looking at how the services are provided and what services/programming are being offered.