The Public Libraries Amendment Regulations, 2023, enacted under The Public Libraries Act, 1996, bring updates to the governance and operational protocols of regional library boards in Saskatchewan. These regulations introduce new procedures for the dissolution of regional library boards, the cessation of library operations, and modifications to grant allocation processes.

The amended regulations establish a formal process for dissolving a regional library board. If a board intends to dissolve, it must notify the minister in writing. Upon receiving this notice, the minister is required to appoint a committee, including the Provincial Librarian, to make recommendations regarding the board’s liabilities, assets, and boundaries of adjacent libraries. The committee has 30 days to meet and 90 days to submit a report to the minister, who will then consider these recommendations before making a dissolution order. Furthermore, the minister can appoint a person to oversee operations and facilitate asset distribution during the dissolution process.

In cases where a regional library board fails to provide notice of intent to dissolve but is at risk of ceasing operations, the regulations outline steps for intervention. The minister may call a special meeting of the board or appoint an individual to manage the library’s affairs. If the board does not hold this meeting or resume operations within 90 days, the minister can appoint someone to oversee the library’s business or form a committee to recommend further actions regarding the board’s dissolution.

The regulations also revise how grants are administered to municipal and regional library boards. The minister can allocate grants based on a funding manual that is subject to amendments. Boards applying for grants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including submitting a statutory declaration verifying public service hours and audited financial statements confirming expenditures on library materials. Additionally, regional libraries must allocate a portion of their grants for operational support of their headquarters.

To enhance transparency and accountability, regional libraries are required to submit documentation that verifies operational hours and financial expenditures. This includes a statutory declaration from the chairperson of the regional library board regarding operational hours and audited financial statements detailing expenditures on library materials, along with additional declarations for local library board expenditures.

Other amendments include modifications to the heading preceding section 13 to reference the cessation of regional library operations and the repeal of the previous section 14, indicating a shift in regulatory focus. Additional amendments streamline the grant process and clarify the roles of regional library boards.

By establishing clear procedures for dissolution and cessation of operations, the regulations aim to ensure smooth transitions and continued service delivery for communities reliant on library resources.

Saskatchewan (104/2023) November 10, 2023