Sask. government reviewing $4.8M in cuts to libraries

After cutting $4.8 million fromprovincial libraries, Premier Brad Wall has tasked Education Minister Don Morgan withreviewing library funding.

Wall announced the review in a statement on Thursday, in response to a new Insightrixpoll that revealed the Sask. Party'ssupport dropped following the 2017-18 provincial budget.

• New poll shows lowest support for Sask. Party in 8 years but premier 'surprised' by backing after budget
• Library manager 'debunking' province's budget cut defence
• Hundreds of readers silently protest outside MLA offices against library cuts

The budget cut the entire $1.3 million to libraries in Regina and Saskatoon, while regional libraries incurred a $3.5 million cut.

Carla Beck, NDP MLA for Regina Lakeview, feels that people speaking out and voicing their displeasure with the decision is a motivation for the review.

"The fact that they are looking at reconsidering it in the face of really overwhelming public pressure, I think that is important," said Beck.

Earlier this month, read-in eventswere planned across the province as a way to protest the library cuts. Library supporters went to their local MLA's offices and read for 15 minutes.

Beck said she doesn't thinkthe Sask. Party was expecting to receive the pushback they did. There were close to 6,000 people who showed up to read at 89 locations across the province duringthe read-ins, Beck said.

On top of that, apetition called "Vote to Save Saskatchewan Libraries" has received more than 14,000 signatures.

"I think this was a short-sighted cut. I don't think the minister understood exactly what he was cutting and how deep the impact would be," said Beck, adding that a response like this has been largely unprecedented in the province.

Beck saidthat if there is a willingness on the part of Morgan and the Sask. Party to walk back some of their cutsshe would welcome that decision.

"For less than $5 million they are jeopardizinga whole provincial library system that is valued and used," said Beck. "I think he has a chance to do the right thing and I hope he does it."