Stony Plain Public Library submits 2027 funding request

STONY PLAIN -- The Stony Plain Public Library has filed its 2027 municipal funding request with town council. 

The library is seeking a total of $844,400 for the 2027 operating year, which marks an increase of $64,000 over their 2026 budget. Board Treasurer Dawn Horne says the vast majority of the increase will go towards staffing costs. This will include funding for increased staffing hours and a 3 per cent cost-of-living increase. She adds that the library will be operating at a deficit for their 2027 budget and that some funding will be drawn from their reserves.

Cost savings included in next year's library budget come from a decrease in janitorial costs and an increase in revenue from their photocopying services. According to the library, the increased municipal funding contribution will help them increase outreach and connections with partners, and maintain existing hours, programs, services, partnerships, and staffing.

"In everything that you share, what I hear is the sense of connection to the community," said Justin Anderson, Councillor with the Town of Stony Plain. "To me, that's all we can ever ask of any community partner, and that comes out in spades in the work that goes on at the library."

Some of the Stony Plain Public Library's highlights for this year have included increased programs for youth and indigenous residents, as well as its move to a permanent fine-free system as one of its top highlights. For 2027, the library will be looking to continue its program growth while also supporting the ongoing maintenance of their space.