The mayor of Kentville says the community is heartbroken and searching for answers after learning the town’s library is slated to close this summer.
The Kentville branch is one of five Annapolis Valley Regional Library locations scheduled to close on July 20 as the library system restructures due to ongoing funding challenges.
Mayor Andrew Zebian says the reaction from the community has been immediate and emotional.
“The community’s devastated,” he said. “They’re really heartbroken and they’re looking for answers, as I am as well.”
Community members have already organized demonstrations in response to the closure announcement, including a gathering in Kentville and another outside the office of local MLA John Lohr.
Mayor questions why Kentville was selected
Zebian says one of the biggest unanswered questions is why the Kentville branch was chosen for closure.
“I still don’t understand how Kentville was, I guess so to speak, on the chopping block,” he said. “It was their busiest branch. That’s what they’ve been telling us for the last few years.”
The mayor says he has spoken with library officials and expects further discussions with provincial representatives in the coming days.
The closure announcement has sparked concern across the Annapolis Valley, with supporters holding demonstrations and calling for the province to revisit library funding. The Annapolis Valley Regional Library has said the closures are necessary because current funding levels are no longer sufficient to maintain all 11 branches.
Town increased support for library system
Zebian says Kentville and other municipal partners had already agreed to increase their financial contributions this year in an effort to help the library system.
According to the mayor, Kentville increased its annual contribution from just over $42,000 to roughly $65,000 after library officials requested additional support.
“We all agreed to the additional ask,” he said. “We support the library and that’s all of council.”
The Town of Kentville and the County of Kings also share the lease costs for the building that houses the library.
More than books
Zebian says losing the branch would affect much more than access to books.
“The libraries are kind of one of the last free services that are offered,” he said.
He noted that community members rely on the library for computer access, programs and a variety of support services.
“It’s become a service place. People go in and they access computers and they access a lot of supports there from the library, not just books.”
For now, Zebian says council remains committed to finding a solution and hopes discussions with the province can help preserve library services in Kentville.
