The Jake Epp Library in Steinbach is seeing renewed optimism after a period of transition.
City Councillor Jac Siemens, who represents council on the library board, says the board was challenged earlier this year to review its operations when it requested additional funding from the city. He notes the board responded by adjusting fees, strengthening oversight, and preparing a detailed request for the 2026 budget.
“The board got together at their meetings and they were challenged by council to review where their opportunities for revenue were,” Siemens says. “So we looked at our non-resident fees, we looked at all the various fees that were attached to the library and we adjusted all of them and brought that back to council.”
Funding decisions will be finalized during the city’s November budget study session.
Optimism around leadership and direction
Siemens says council has been encouraged by the progress at the library, pointing to greater stability in both staffing and finances.
“My feeling at council has been that it was very positive. The council appreciated their response to the challenges that we put to the library board,” he says. “Stable employment of the head librarian, stable finances, and a good handle on things — that’s what we were hoping for.”
He adds the library board and city council are also exploring the possibility of a regional library model, with Siemens and Councillor Bill Hiebert involved in ongoing discussions.
Community concerns remain
While the progress has been welcomed, Siemens acknowledges community members continue to express concerns about reduced operating hours and the pace of book replacement. Rising costs for books, combined with wage increases, have put added pressure on the library’s budget.
“All I hear from the public is that they want to go back to regular hours and they want some of the services returned that have been cut back,” Siemens says.
Services still in demand
Despite the challenges, Siemens highlights the wide range of services available, including interlibrary loans and e-book lending. He says staff are committed to staying on top of trends and ensuring collections remain relevant and popular.
“I’ve been very happy with our current leadership model and with Aubrey Walker, who we think is doing a tremendous job,” Siemens says. “Her heart’s there and it shows in how she deals with staff and how things take place at the library.”
The library board, which took a summer break from meetings, will resume in the fall. Siemens says both the board and staff are energized and optimistic about the future.