School Libraries Sacrificed
in Halifax Cutbacks
The elimination of five circuit teacher-librarian positions and 35 library assistants will virtually close junior high libraries in Halifax County and Bedford, Nova Scotia, the Halifax Herald reported May 31. About 200 positions total, including teachers, educational program assistants, managers, and secretaries, were slashed in the Halifax regional school board’s $11.5-million budget cut for 2000–2001.
Students in suburban and rural areas will have no library programs until high school, although supplementary funding will allow elementary and junior high schools in the cities of Halifax and Dartmouth to retain 43 library assistants.
Some library workers among the 150 parents, students, and staff at the May 30 meeting cried quietly when, after nearly an hour of debate, the board voted 8–5 to eliminate their positions.
“No wonder Nova Scotia has the highest dropout rates and the lowest literacy rates,” said Dartmouth library assistant Viola Huntington.
Although 400 support staff began receiving pink slips May 31, many will eventually be recalled, a layoff-and-rehiring process dictated by union contract.
Posted June 5, 2000.
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