9 supporters are talking about petitions related to Minister of Education!
Kids already struggle to read because of the impact of electronic devices. Having libraries and books around them is what is going to help them learn. Not only that, but some kids do not have access to books at home, and a school library is their only access to books. Libraries are where students can make a connection with other adults, getting a break from their teacher and just listening to a story be told to them. This is wrong, libraries are important. Nobody can replace our librarians. Bring them back.
This is a deeply concerning cut given the already underfunded state of the education system in New Brunswick. Our teachers are underpaid, our schools are working with fewer resources and funding than they need, and our children are suffering the consequences.
Literacy rates are too low in this province. For many children, the only exposure they have to books is through their schools. And within their schools, the library is the sole sanctuary where they can develop an appreciation of reading without being graded on performance. Their school library book may be the only book they get to bring home and savour, helping them to increase their comfort and skill in reading.
I understand the volatility around tariffs has forced our government to make difficult decisions. But cutting our education budget is akin to passing the hardships on to future generations. Kids deserve to be lifted up from the start so they can see the potential in the world around them. They are worth the investment.
New Brunswick is already facing a serious literacy crisis — this is not the time to cut school librarians, who play a critical role in helping students develop strong reading and research skills. Librarians do more than manage books; they foster a love of learning, support teachers, and help students become thoughtful, informed citizens. Removing them undermines the foundation of literacy that so many children desperately need. We should be investing in education, not dismantling the support systems that make it work.
Our libraries are essential to our communities, and without librarians, we create barriers to important learning resources that prepare students for the real world. The children of New Brunswick need unimpeded access to libraries, librarians, and the resources they provide.
I’m homeschooled, but I used to go to public school and I remember how amazing our librarian was. We need librarians to keep our libraries going! Books are a huge part of our culture as humans, and librarians know that.
There is never a time to cut Librarians. They are truth finders and knowledge growers. They ensure our questions are answered correctly with facts. We need that now more than ever.
Libraries and librarians are crucial to education, community care, creating safe spaces for kids to explore their interests, promoting literacy, and so much more. Our librarians do so much more than we even begin to realize in a number of ways. This cut is unacceptable.