Hay River’s public library will reopen on Tuesday, June 9 with reduced hours while the town and NWT government continue work on a longer-term plan.
The volunteer committee that previously ran the library stepped down on April 30, leading to the facility’s closure amid uncertainty about its future.
The situation was triggered in part by changes to GNWT funding, including plans to end direct territorial funding for the Hay River head librarian’s role.
In a Friday news release, the GNWT said staffing is now in place to reopen the library from 1-4pm each weekday with limited services.
“Discussions are ongoing with the Town of Hay River around an eventual resumption of full library services. Further updates will be shared as information becomes available,” the territory stated.
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In a statement issued after this article was first published, the Town of Hay River said it welcomed the “partial restoration of library services.”
“The reopening is a positive step for our community and an important milestone in restoring access to valued public services,” the town stated.
“We look forward to continuing discussions with the GNWT on the long-term provision of library services to ensure residents have reliable and sustainable access for years to come.”
