Photo via X, formerly Twitter, @CUPEOntario
Library staff and community members are voicing strong opposition to recent staffing cuts at the Peterborough Public Library, implemented as part of a $120,000 budget reduction approved by city council.
The restructuring plan includes the elimination of three of the library’s four full-time unionized librarian positions: the Children’s Librarian, the Adult Programmer, and the Access Services Librarian. Each of these professionals has over 15 years of service. Their roles are set to be replaced by an Outreach Coordinator and a less specialized programming position, effectively reducing the number of full-time librarians by 75%.
Patricia Scoffield, president of CUPE Local 1833, expressed deep concern over the impact of these cuts on library services. She emphasized that the loss of experienced librarians cannot be compensated by the new positions, stating that this change will negatively affect both staff and patrons.
In response to the layoffs, CUPE Ontario members distributed approximately 1,550 leaflets over two days this week, urging the library board and city council to halt the restructuring, protect existing jobs, and increase funding to address health and safety risks faced by staff and patrons. The union reports receiving excellent feedback from the public, with a petition opposing the changes garnering 1,668 signatures and counting.
As the situation develops, library staff and supporters continue to advocate for the preservation of essential services and experienced personnel at the Peterborough Public Library.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
