Have you visited your public library recently? If not, I strongly encourage you to do so, because if you have changed in 25 years, so have your libraries. Indeed, our busiest cultural institutions have kept pace with evolution and modernization to meet the needs of their communities.
From on-site consultation to the loan of books, to the borrowing of games and then musical instruments, including activities, conferences, story times, training and introduction to digital technology, the diversification of actions in the library has been exponential. It is a real revolution that our public libraries have experienced in a quarter of a century, and they are proud of it.
As we celebrate the 25e edition of Quebec Public Library Week, it is today undeniable that these institutions play an active role in the cultural, community, social and economic development of their municipalities. They have been able to adapt quickly and effectively to the changing needs of the community, as well as to changes in the ways in which all citizens of the province consume information and culture.
Just like societies, Quebec libraries have evolved over time. The library responds to the needs expressed by the community by integrating services intended for newcomers, people looking for work and even children with special needs. Multifaceted, multilingual, multicultural, today’s library focuses its services on the citizen place, an accessible and welcoming place.
A development plan to ensure the future of our libraries
Denis Vaugeois, Minister of Cultural Affairs from 1979 to 1981, implemented what was called the “Vaugeois plan”, which proposed financial assistance programs to municipalities so that they could establish libraries across the country. of the territory. During these pivotal years, we will go from 121 to 849 libraries in Quebec!
However, according to the most recent figures, which date from 2020, 283 Quebec municipalities do not yet offer public library services. In addition, according to the National Portrait of Libraries published in 2022 (and using 2019 data), public libraries should have been open 5,106 hours longer to guarantee accessibility of services, and there was a shortage of 1,303 employees and 150,616 m2 of surface area to properly meet the needs of citizens.
Many striking developments have taken place in the past. However, we must remember that the road ahead is not over. To ensure the future of our public libraries, it is vital to establish a development plan so that they receive the funding necessary for the quality and continuity of their services.
To echo the success of the Vaugeois plan, Quebec public libraries are now requesting their Lacombe plan. The power to do better, to do more and to meet the needs of communities rests in the hands of government. For another quarter century focused on the future, take care of the evolution of our public libraries.