Province asks for public help in library review, roundtables scheduled

Three months after backing down on the goal to eliminate 54 of the province's public libraries, the Newfoundland and Labradorgovernment is asking for the public's help in areview.

From Oct. 5 to Nov. 7, a series of 10 roundtable discussions will take place across the province, and thereview board will be meeting with locals. There will also be online surveys and the option for written submissions.

• Library closures suspended until review completed

• More than half of N.L. libraries closing in wake of budget cuts

The goal is to understand the full impact of libraries on the community, said Education Minister Dale Kirby.

"Our government believes that libraries are important to communities and the people of this province," Kirby said in a press release Friday morning.

"We want to improve library services for the people of this province, so residents are encouraged to participate in this review."

The discussions will be led by EY formerly Ernstand Young,an international consulting firm.

It will be assisted by the review's steering committee, consisting of three members of the provincial government and three members of the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board.

Participants will be asked to discuss the role of libraries in their communities, as well as lookfor areas of improvement.

When and where

The discussions will take place at the following communities:

• Bay Roberts (Amalgamated Academy), Oct. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• St. John's (A.C. Hunter Library), Oct. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Marystown (Sacred Heart Elementary), Oct. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Clarenville (Clarenville High School), Oct. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Springdale (Riverwood Inn), Oct. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Grand Falls-Windsor (Arts and Cultures Centre), Oct. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Twillingate(United Church Hall), Oct. 20, 1-3 p.m.
• Rocky Harbour (Gros Morne Academy), Oct. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Stephenville (Kindale Public Library), Oct. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Labrador City (Lab City Public Library), Nov. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m