Libraries are community hubs that support literacy, families, job training, learning, and public safety. But the last three provincial budgets have cut funding to Saskatchewan libraries. When paired with the province’s short-sighted decision not to fund harm reduction services, we are seeing a crisis in our libraries which has led to the temporary closure of two library branches in Saskatoon.
“Instead of investing in libraries, Scott Moe and the Sask Party government are downloading costs onto municipalities, forcing communities to do more with less,” said Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “Scott Moe’s cuts prevent libraries from investing in safety, hiring more staff, and ensuring they have proper personal protective equipment.”
CUPE members at Saskatoon Public Library responded to at least 48 overdoses this year, which is double the amount seen in the same period in 2024. In response, Saskatoon Public Library has made the decision to close two branches for the next month.
“As library workers, we love to serve the community. However, the current drug poisoning crisis and the increase in incidents have taken a huge toll on library staff. “The library cannot be the answer for the lack of funding to other support services,” said Michelle Pharis, president of CUPE 2669, the local representing workers at Saskatoon Public Library. “The local is relieved that this action is being taken. Staff are struggling and this will be needed time to figure out next steps.”
CUPE is advocating for all levels of government to come to the table to address the challenges. The city has tried to step up but without the provincial government coming to the table in a meaningful way, they don’t have access to the funding levers to make meaningful progress.
“Library workers and libraries aren’t trained or resourced to be the front lines of the drug poisoning crisis. We need harm reduction services. We need more funding for our libraries to ensure they can remain safe and accessible spaces for all. And we need Scott Moe and his government to do better,” said Peterson.
CUPE represents approximately 650 public library workers across the province who work in three municipal library systems and five regional library systems: Regina, Saskatoon, Lakeland (North Battleford area); Palliser (Moose Jaw area); Parkland (Yorkton area); Southeast (Weyburn area); Wapiti (Central Saskatchewan) and John M. Cuelenaere (Prince Albert).