This week Justin and Anuj sat down with Children’s Services Librarian Kristel Fleuren-Hunter and Programming and Outreach Assistant Elizabeth Glintz to discover why this isn’t your typical library. From helping newcomers navigate their first days in Canada to providing a vital third space for everyone in Antigonish, from running a community fridge to preparing tax returns for over 500 residents, the People’s Place has become Antigonish’s unofficial hub for connection and support. Behind the magic is a crew of incredibly committed staff whose passion for community service shines through in everything they do. A remarkable feat given the realities of a budget and salaries that, as Justin and Anuj found out, is nowhere near what you’d expect for this level of public service. Tune in to learn how this remarkable initiative became a model of what collaborative public service should be—and why it needs more support to keep thriving.

Some news stories on library funding issues:

https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/new-glasgow/pictou-antigonish-libraries-scrambling-to-make-up-shortfall

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/nova-scotia-s-libraries-say-their-financial-books-are-1.7500890

https://www.989xfm.ca/pictou-antigonish-regional-library-receives-additional-funding-from-the-province/

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