The Cranbrook Public Library has recently reduced its operating hours and staffing, citing rising costs and stagnant funding from all levels of government.
“We had to reduce our hours by 15 per cent just so that we could stay on budget,” said Ursula Brigl, Chief Librarian.
“The funding that we receive from the city, the regional district, and the provincial government just hasn’t been keeping pace with inflation.”
In 2025, the library cut evening hours on Mondays and Wednesdays and shortened its Sunday hours.
“People who were used to coming in for meetings, studying, or programs in the evenings have definitely noticed,” Brigl said.
“Even now, after a few months, people are still caught off guard when we call out that we’re closing at 5 p.m.”
The library has launched a postcard writing campaign intended to give residents a way to share their messages directly with elected officials.
“We wanted to give people a tangible way to express their sentiments,” said Brigl.
“Postcards are old school, but they’re brief, and they get delivered straight to the people who make the funding decisions.”
The campaign features colour-coded postcards: red for the province, blue for the City of Cranbrook, and green for the RDEK.
A member of the library board who also serves on city council reportedly plans to hand-deliver the provincial postcards to the Minister of Municipal Affairs during the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities convention.
“We just felt that this approach embodies what the library is all about — bringing people together and creating a sense of community,” Brigl said.
The library will host a postcard writing event on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Cranbrook Public Library.
Staff will be on-site to answer questions.
Postcards and pens will be provided.
The campaign runs through the end of October.
Comments