Quebec announces $24.1M to renew school libraries over 3 years
The province is funding one million new books for secondary schools by 2029, but a shift to flexible budgeting has sparked concern among independent bookstores that sales to schools could drop.
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Quebec is investing $24.1 million over three years to refresh school libraries—8 million per year—but the way the money is being delivered has the book industry worried.
The education ministry announced the new funding Friday, promising over one million new books in secondary school libraries by 2029. That sounds good. But the cash comes as part of a broader budget consolidation that groups book purchases with sports, cultural, and social activities.
The concern: money earmarked for books in year one is guaranteed, but years two and three could be diverted to other activities if school boards choose. A petition signed by more than 17,000 people, backed by solidaire MP Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, was tabled at the National Assembly Wednesday demanding a dedicated envelope for books.
Librarians and independent bookstores are watching closely. Last year, school and library purchases dropped 10 per cent—roughly 250,000 fewer books in Quebec classrooms. For independent bookstores, school and library sales represent 36 per cent of annual revenue. More than 88 per cent of them say these sales are essential to staying open.
Education Minister Sonia LeBel's office says schools will be held accountable for spending on books, but without a protected budget line, publishers and booksellers remain skeptical.