You won’t be able to borrow library books from outside Thunder Bay for the next month.
Thunder Bay Chief Librarian John Pateman explains they’re not offering inter-library loans until May 31st because of the cuts to an agency providing library services.
He confirms the city’s branches are joining the list of libraries to pause the service because the Ontario Library Services North budget is being slashed by half this year.
The organization pays libraries back for the costs of shipping items through Canada Post. Its southern Ontario counterpart uses a van to deliver the items to each library branch.
He says while some items can be checked out digitally instead, that’s not the case for rarer books or other materials. “They’re not available online, people can’t just download them. The only way they’re going to get to read these books is to physically receive the actual copy of the book.”
Pateman says he’s hopeful efforts to push back against the cuts will mean it’s only a temporary measure.
On its website, the library is asking patrons to sign a petition to protest the cuts, and directs you to voice any concerns to local Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle and NDP MPP Judith Monteith-Farrell.
The Chief Librarian says they’ve already gotten plenty of online comments on their campaign. “People are shocked and surprised and outraged, and very willing to take action to protest against these cuts.”
Pateman notes the loans are not the only service affected by the funding cut.
He points out Ontario Library Services North also helps libraries to save money on ordering books and resources, organizes conferences, provides staff training, and more.
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