Library closures not imminent, towns could take some over, says Dale Kirby

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dale Kirbysays it's still possible the libraries up for closure could stay open.

Kirby said Monday thatsome of theNewfoundlandand Labrador Public Libraries branches are in a location that could allow for an easy transition for the municipal government to take them over.

• Library cuts will have 'huge repercussions,' says author Lisa Moore
• Library closures will hit children, rural areas hardest, says association
• More than half of N.L. libraries closing in wake of budget cuts

He also saidthat a number of publiclibrariesthat are in schools may not close.

Kirbysaid after funding from the provincial library board is cut,schools may chose to keep those librariesopen, although he saidthey will no longer be accessibleto the public.

"People have the misconception that school libraries are closing and that's not true," said Kirby.

Last week, the province announced funding to 54 of the province's 95 libraries isgoing to be cut.

Of the 54 libraries the province has up on the chopping block, 25 of them are within municipal buildings. In those cases, the towns could take over the operation and cost of the libraries.

Another 20 are within schools in the communities,

The remaining nine are in stand-alone buildings.

Over the weekend, Liberal backbencherScott Reid suggested on Facebookthat thegovernment should reconsider public library cuts.

Speaking with reporters Monday, Kirby saidthat will not happen.

"The budget is not going to be reconsidered," he said.

"What's in the budget is in the budget that's my understanding. Educationand Early Childhood Development's budget is not under reconsideration."

According to Kirby, the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District will work with local groups to provide public access at 20 school libraries.

Kirby added the province has twice the number of libraries per capita, but half the funding, than other jurisdictions.

He said the library cuts are a "devolution exercise" more than closures.

Kirby added none of the decisions for his department outlined in the 2016 budget will be changed.