06/01/2026
2026 Library Service Changes Announcement
Updated June 1, 2026:
Due to the lack of sustainable operating funding, the AVRL is no longer able to maintain its present level of service. Maintaining all 11 library branches is not financially sustainable under the current funding model, and significant changes will be required across the region.
Effective July 20, 2026, the following five AVRL branches will close:
Hantsport
Kentville
Lawrencetown
Middleton
Port Williams
In order to complete the restructuring process and support staff through this transition, all AVRL locations will be closed from June 1–14, 2026. Regular service at all locations will resume on June 15, 2026, and continue until the effective closure date of July 20, 2026.
Beginning July 20, 2026, the following six AVRL locations will remain open with new standardized hours:
Windsor
Wolfville
Berwick
Kingston
Bridgetown
Annapolis Royal
The AVRL is facing a structural funding deficit that cannot be resolved through incremental efficiencies alone. The AVRL has now received confirmation that there will be no increase to Provincial library funding for 2026–27, with funding remaining at 2020–2025 levels.
Over the past several months, AVRL made separate requests to each of its eight partnering municipalities for increased funding contributions. All eight municipalities committed additional funding for 2026–27, and the AVRL is deeply grateful for their continued support and commitment to library service in their communities.
However, without sustainable increases to the Provincial Library Funding Formula — and without Provincial Bridge funding in 2026–27 — these municipal contributions alone are not enough to prevent significant service reductions and impacts across the region.
While the decision is deeply difficult, the long-term goal is to protect the Library’s ability to continue serving the region by focusing resources on a sustainable library system that can support literacy, learning, digital access, and community connection into the future.
The AVRL recognizes the deep connection between public libraries and the communities they serve. Our branches are supported by residents, community groups, donors, and municipal partners who value library service as an essential part of community life. While these changes are difficult, the AVRL remains committed to continuing library service across the region and supporting our communities through this transition. We also extend our sincere gratitude to our partnering municipalities for their ongoing support and longstanding commitment to public libraries and the people who rely on them.
We encourage residents to continue reaching out to their elected representatives to share their perspectives on the importance of sustainable public library funding in our region.
