HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia government says the board responsible for libraries in the Annapolis Valley needs to better explain to the public why it has decided to close five branches.

A spokesperson for the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage says the board has a responsibility to make sure its cost-saving measures minimize the impact on communities.

In an email, Rob Maguire says the government wants to know what options the board had and why it chose to close five libraries.

Last week, the Annapolis Valley Regional Library board said it will close five of its 11 branches because of a structural deficit.

It said it made the decision after learning provincial government wouldn’t raise library funding in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

The board did not immediately respond to a request for comment today.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2026.

Lyndsay Armstrong, The Canadian Press