Chinook Edge School Division (CESD) has cut funding to the Penhold & District Library, meaning a six per cent budget reduction for the book haven.
The end of the longtime partnership might also see a wall constructed between Penhold Crossing Secondary School and the public library.
“The Penhold & District Library is disappointed by CESD’s unilateral decision to alter the terms of what was intended to be a long-term, collaborative partnership,” said a library spokesperson.
This partnership was originally established when Penhold Crossing was built onto the Penhold Multiplex in 2014.
As part of the collaboration, a wall within the library was removed to create a shared space that allowed seamless access to the public library’s resources.
CESD provided an annual financial contribution to the library for services. According to the library, this joint-use model fostered a unique and successful example of educational and community cooperation.
Over the years, the partnership enabled students to benefit from access to an expansive collection of books, comfortable study and lounge areas, games, and even a baby grand piano. In turn, the library was able to expand programming and grow its youth-focused collections.
The agreement has been repeatedly renegotiated over the years to reduce CESD’s financial contribution and the level of collaboration.
In spring 2024, CESD informed the library that it would no longer provide funding and formally ended the existing agreement.
In its place, CESD offered a new draft agreement requesting that the library support all three Penhold public schools by issuing student library cards and providing additional services—without any financial contribution.
The library has not signed this new agreement.
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