Quebec’s public libraries are facing a critical shortage of staff, according to a recent report.
The latest assessment of investments in Quebec’s public libraries highlights both achievements and challenges, with a particular emphasis on the alarming lack of human resources.
The report, which gives an overall score of 68% for 2025, shows a slight improvement from previous years but still falls short of meeting essential needs. Ève Lagacé, the Executive Director of the Quebec Public Libraries Association, expresses concerns about the stagnation of investments, especially in terms of staffing. Lagacé emphasizes the crucial role that libraries play in community vitality and calls for increased resources to provide quality services across the province.
Regional disparities are evident, with central regions like Montreal and Quebec City scoring higher at 71% and 70%, while remote regions lag behind at 64%. Julie Blais, president of the BIBLIO network in Quebec, stresses the importance of ensuring that all communities, regardless of size, have access to well-supported libraries with diverse collections and services.
The report reveals a significant shortfall of 3,140 employees, including documentation technicians, librarians, and other staff. The human resources category scores only 31%, highlighting the ongoing challenges in this area.
Acquisitions, opening hours, floor space, and seating capacity also fall short of excellence standards. For instance, public libraries would have needed to purchase over 800,000 more printed books to enhance their collections. Despite some positive aspects like free membership and minimal late fees, there is still room for improvement in various categories.
Quebec leads in service points per capita compared to other provinces, but there are still communities, notably in remote areas, that lack access to public libraries. The report underscores the need for continued investment and support to ensure that all Quebecers can benefit from vibrant and well-equipped libraries.
