COLD LAKE – The Cold Lake Public Library is asking City Council for an additional ,296 in operating funding for 2027, citing rising costs, increasing membership and the need to maintain services at both library branches.

Library Board Chair Aline Chow and Assistant Director Tanya Boudreau presented the library’s proposed 2027 budget during Cold Lake City Council’s October 27 regular meeting.

The library is requesting $550,736 in municipal funding, representing a 5.8 percent increase over the $520,440 provided in 2026.

The request is intended to help offset inflation, maintain existing programs and services, and support staffing, technology improvements and community outreach.

Library Says Funding Has Not Kept Pace With Inflation

During the presentation, Chow explained that municipal funding has increased by approximately 19.8 percent since 2018, when the City’s contribution was $434,313.

Over the same period, cumulative inflation has increased more significantly.

According to the library’s presentation, national inflation reached approximately 22.85 percent through 2025, while Alberta’s cumulative inflation reached 28.18 percent through August 2026.

The board estimates that the difference between funding increases and rising costs represents a shortfall of approximately $29,500 to $36,300.

In 2026, the library made operational cuts and budgeted an additional $25,000 in fundraising revenue to help balance its finances.

Chow told council the proposed increase would help prevent further reductions.

“This increase will help us catch up to the previous years’ inflation rates and enable us to preserve current public service levels while building the capacity needed to meet future community expanding demands,” she explained.

The library’s proposed overall operating budget for 2027 is approximately $827,000, with expenses projected at $827,947.

Membership Continues to Grow

Despite financial pressures, the library reported increasing membership and strong demand for its programs and services.

Membership grew from 4,700 in 2025 to 5,067 in 2026, according to figures presented to council.

By the end of the third quarter of 2026, the library had recorded:

• 19,314 walk-in visits
• 74,256 items circulated
• 4,876 program attendees
• 1,316 instances of computer use
• 22,384 interlibrary loans
• 55,960 resources in its collection

The library typically welcomes more than 30,000 visits annually, circulates more than 100,000 items and delivers hundreds of community programs.

Boudreau emphasized that the library’s role extends beyond lending books.

“The impact of the library goes obviously well beyond books,” she told council.

She highlighted the library’s work providing welcoming spaces for newcomers, seniors and families, along with opportunities for education, creativity and lifelong learning.

The library also shares its facilities with community organizations and services, including Legal Aid, Service Canada, tutors and community clubs.

Councillor Questions Whether Two Library Branches Are Sustainable

During the discussion, Councillor Vining asked whether the library board had considered consolidating operations into one location to reduce costs.

He questioned whether maintaining two branches remained financially sustainable as operating expenses continued to increase.

“Has the conversation around possibly centralizing to one location or perhaps changing the mandate of the second location … in order to save costs … been considered by the board?” Vining asked.

Chow confirmed that the board had explored the possibility.

“That’s absolutely been discussed,” she responded.

However, she explained that consolidating services would create challenges because of the number of residents the library serves.

She noted that operating solely from the south branch would not be feasible for the entire community and that consolidation could require finding a new location.

Such a change could also result in staffing reductions.

The board has considered other cost-saving measures but is currently seeking funding to maintain existing service levels.

Fundraising and Corporate Sponsorships Help Offset Costs

The library also highlighted its efforts to reduce reliance on municipal funding through grants, donations and corporate partnerships.

In 2026, the library raised $22,592.75 from community organizations and businesses, including TELUS, Enbridge, Walmart and the Lions Club.

These contributions have supported library improvements and community programming.

External funding has also supported flooring and carpeting upgrades, lighting improvements, window replacements, multipurpose spaces, and the library’s outdoor reading garden.

The board emphasized that these projects have improved City-owned facilities without requiring additional municipal capital funding.

For 2027, the library plans to introduce an Adopt a Program or Service initiative, allowing businesses to sponsor specific library programs and services.

During the meeting, representatives also confirmed that corporate sponsorship had been secured for the library’s upcoming community Christmas party.

Councillor Weber praised the board’s fundraising efforts and asked how the current year’s donations compared with previous years.

Library representatives said community support had been encouraging, although they did not have a year-over-year fundraising comparison available during the presentation.

Library Board Also Looking for Volunteers

Mayor Bob Mattice thanked the representatives for their presentation and acknowledged the range of services available through the library.

He reminded residents that library cards are free and highlighted additional services such as tool lending and the toy library.

Council also discussed the need for more volunteers to serve on the Library Board.

When Mattice asked whether the board was seeking one or two additional members, representatives indicated that more than two volunteers would be welcome.

The library’s request for $550,736 will be considered as part of the City’s 2027 budget process.

No funding increase was approved during the October 27 delegation presentation.