Province lays out five-year plan for Saskatchewan libraries

The Government of Saskatchewan announced a plan Tuesday to help sustain and grow libraries across the province over the next five years.

The first-ever Provincial Library Sector Plan was created after collaboration with all 11 public library systems in Saskatchewan, amounting to more than 300 public library branches.

Focusing on five main priorities, the plan’s intention is to support libraries via the Ministry of Education to “meet the needs of Saskatchewan residents now and into the future,” a provincial news release read.

“I am pleased to see the advice given to government through this comprehensive plan,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said in the news release. “A stronger Saskatchewan library system means easier access to critical resources for the public.”

The plan spanning from 2022-2027 includes:

• Building and maintaining library systems that support the current level of services and promote growth.
• Planning for technological changes to adapt library services and provide extra resources.
• Building services and programs with Indigenous peoples in the spirit of reconciliation.
• Supporting the literacy development of all of Saskatchewan’s citizens.
• Providing accessible and welcoming community spaces through infrastructure development.

A library engagement report in 2019 had more than 5,800 people provide feedback.

More than 90 per cent of respondents identified funding structure and predictability, a strategic plan, a one-card model, and a communication system with provincial libraries as either “somewhat important” or “very important.”