An independent task force, appointed in December 2003 to review the Regina (Sask.) Public Library’s controversial plan to close three branches, has recommended that the library renovate its Glen Elm branch and expand the Connaught branch as a “signature” resource in the city’s library system. In a 127-page report delivered to the library board March 19, the task force also advised replacing the Albert and Prince of Wales branches with an expanded community resource center.
In addition, the report concluded that the western part of the city has been underserved for years and recommended building a “large full-service facility” to provide library services in the area.
However, maintaining the branches during a period of “financial challenges” will necessarily affect other operations that are peripheral to the RPL’s core services, the task force warned. Consequently, the report concludes that “the decision by the Regina Public Library to cease the financial sponsorship of the Dunlop Art Gallery is regrettable but appropriate in the circumstances” and the art collections should be transferred to the city’s civic arts collection. It also recommended that the library relinquish its valuable Prairie History Room collection to another cultural institution in the area.
The report will undoubtedly meet with a mixed response from library supporters, who submitted more than 26,000 signatures March 5 on a petition to the city council to provide sufficient funds to prevent the closures.
The library board must present a revised budget to city council by March 31.
Posted March 19, 2004.