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There’s mounting uncertainty over the future of Saskatchewan’s regional library system.
It comes after the Wapiti Regional Library announced plans to close six branches across north-central Saskatchewan.
Wapiti Regional Library Director and CEO Tony Murphy said the organization made the difficult decision after more than a decade of escalating costs and stagnant provincial funding.
“We have fought long and hard for so many years to keep these small libraries open,” Murphy explained. “But we have been backed against a wall.”
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Based in Prince Albert, the Wapiti Regional Library operates 44 branches.
Murphy said he understands people’s disappointment over the decision and pointed to a Nov. 10, 2026, meeting with the community of Alvena.
“Emotions were running high,” he remarked. “There’s frustration, anger, and there’s a lot of frustration on our end as well.”
An online petition has been created to save the community’s library.
A statement from lead organizer and volunteer Renee Young said the library shares a space with the village office and the post office.
“Closing Alvena’s library is not just an economic decision,” said Young. “It’s a community devastation.”
She called on the regional library to reverse its decision and look for funding alternatives.
Alvena is located 60 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.
More cuts possible
According to CUPE Saskatchewan, at least six communities are affected: Alvena, Gronlid, Mistatim, Pilger, Prairie River and Saint Benedict.
“Regional libraries are the heartbeat of communities,” said union president Kent Peterson. “It’s clear the funding system isn’t working and risks ongoing layoffs, cuts and closures of vital libraries in communities across Saskatchewan.”
He said this isn’t an isolated incident and that he understands the position the Wapiti Regional Library is in.
“CUPE members were impacted by recent job cuts at the Southeast Regional Library,” Peterson explained. “Adult programming positions were eliminated in Weyburn and Estevan to address the funding shortfall.”
Peterson added that the director of the Palliser Regional Library spoke to the media about funding issues facing that library system.
In 1993, provincial government grants funded half the cost of regional libraries.
According to data compiled by CUPE, by 2024, provincial funding accounted for only 35 per cent.
“In the last 10 years, the government’s share of the grants [to regional libraries] went from $6.022 million to $6.39 million for an increase of six per cent total,” Peterson explained. “In that same time period, inflation went up almost 30 per cent.”
He said Saskatchewan’s funding model, which is based on population and operating hours, must change to recognize patronage and programming.
“Sure, maybe your population has decreased,” Peterson said. “But if more people are using your library, then that means you’re doing something good, innovative and creative.”
CUPE said it joins the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) in calling for funding increases.
Provincial response
In response, the Ministry of Education said public libraries play an important role in Saskatchewan communities.
In 2026-27, the province committed $11.7-million to support resource sharing, internet connectivity, shipping and centralized services within regional library systems.
“Wapiti Regional Library received $977,343 in 2026-27, up from $953,890 in 2025-26,” the statement reads. “In addition, regional library boards receive funding from municipalities under The Public Libraries Act.”
The province added that it doesn’t provide grants to individual library branches.
In the meantime, Murphy said more information will be posted on the library’s website, with priority given to municipalities, library boards and staff.
“I grew up in a small town in southern Alberta, and I get it,” he explained. “My public library was my safe space. We have to make difficult decisions to protect the financial future of the whole region.”
